Trader, wife in court for allegedly possessing counterfeit flour

John Muriithi and his wife, Mary Wachuka whenn they were presented in Gichugu law court in Kirinyaga County after allegedly being found in possession of counterfeit maize flour at their wholesale shop in Kianjokoma market in Embu County. [Joseph Muchiri, Standard]

A trader and his wife were presented in Gichugu law court in Kirinyaga County after allegedly being found in possession of counterfeit maize flour at their wholesale shop in Kianjokoma market in Embu County.

The suspects, John Muriithi and his wife, Mary Wachuka, however, did not take plea as investigations had not been completed.

When they appeared before Resident Magistrate Ken Odhiambo, the prosecution led by Nancy Sang told the court that investigators required more time complete investigations.

Sang prayed the court to lock up the couple in police custody for five days to enable completion of investigations.

“Samples of the confiscated flour has been taken to the Government Chemist in Nairobi for analysis but the results are not yet out,” she said.

She further argued that the couple may abscond if released on bond.

The couple through their lawyer Lugard Mugushu, countered stating that the prosecution did not give compelling reasons as to why they should be detained.

The couple said it was their constitutional rights to be given bond and they should not be confined in police cell over allegations levelled against them.

Mugushu prayed the court to release his clients on free bond saying: “No criminal charge has been preferred against my clients and I don't see any reason why they should be kept in a police cell for five days.”

Odhiambo released the couple on Sh20,000 each until February 3 when the matter will be mentioned.

The prosecution had earlier told the court that the couple was found in possession of 256 packets of maize flour, which they purported to be genuine Raha Premium flour.

They were arrested on January 25 when police accompanied by officials from Joy Millers Ltd raided their shop following a tip-off by members of the public.  

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