11 people arrested for using banned plastic bags

Some of the plastic carrier bags that were confiscated at Rodi Kopany. [James Omoro, Standard]

Eleven people accused of causing environmental degradation have been arrested.

The 11 were arrested in Homa Bay on Tuesday by National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and police officers.

They were arrested for using banned plastic bags in Rodi Kopany town.

Nema officials also impounded 300 kilograms of plastic carrier bags.

Director of Nema Josiah Nyandoro said some small scale traders are still using plastic bags to package goods.

"The traders use the bags to package fruits, vegetables and other food items. They will face prosecution," Nyandoro said.

The 11 included nine businesspeople and a driver of a lorry and his turn boy.

Nema said they were arrested because they did not have documents allowing them to transport waste.

"The lorry has an open back meant to carry sand. It was not designed to transport waste," he said.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned and charged with their respective offences.

Nema banned manufacturing, distribution, sale, and usage of single-use carrier bags in February 2017. The ban took effect on August 28 that year.

Nyandoro said plastic bags continue to pose serious health threats to animals and humans.