Spirit manufacturers sue over destruction of property
Residents in Ruai, Nairobi, destroy illicit brew alcohol on July, 04, 2015 following a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |
What you need to know:
The association claimed that rowdy gangs organised by Mr Waititu on June 27 invaded licenced bars and other legitimate outlets stocking their products and illegally destroyed property.
The Association of Spirits Manufacturers of Kenya has moved to court over destruction of property in the recent government campaign against illicit liquor.
The association has sued the Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, the Attorney General, the Inspector general of Police and Kabete Member of Parliament Ferdinand Waititu.
The manufacturers claimed that rowdy gangs organised by Mr Waititu on June 27 invaded licenced bars and other legitimate outlets stocking their products and illegally destroyed property.
Through lawyer Karugu Muguku, they claimed that violent looting and wanton destruction of property has been tolerated and supervised by law enforcement agencies as well as by state officers even though their members are fully compliant to the laws relating to manufacturing of alcoholic drinks.
Mr Muguku told High Court judge Isaac Lenaola that the association's members are legitimate investors who are equally entitled to the right of protection and that the raids have resulted to massive loss of property.
They want the court to issue orders stopping the sued parties from organising further raids on properties stocking licensed alcoholic drinks besides granting them prompt protection.
Justice Lenaola, however, asked them to serve the sued parties before he issues a directive on Tuesday.
