They all pleaded guilty before Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Rabera and were released with a stern warning.
Magistrate urges Nema officials to continue conducting the operations.
The operation was conducted on October 10 jointly by Nema officials targeting plastic bags users in Mombasa.
A Mombasa court Wednesday released 11 people who were arrested in possession of plastic bags.
John Matiko, Michael Nyawa, Peter Chache, Aden Mohammed, Amos Mutela, Benson Musyoki, Mweha Jawa, Martin Musila, Mumo Nganyi, Timothy Mwiti, Katoi Mange were arrested in an operation by National Environment Management Authority (Nema) on Monday.
They were accused of contravening the Environmental Management and Coordination Act by using and being in possession of the banned flat bags.
They all pleaded guilty before Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Rabera and were released with a stern warning.
“The court sympathises with you as you are first offenders. However, we are sending a strong warning to the accused and the public that as long as you continue breaking the law, we will be here for you,” said Mr Rabera.
The magistrate urged the Nema officials to continue conducting the operations.
'Keep records'
“We keep records of the cases we prosecute here so even the released should know that they did not go scot free.
"Do another operation today and bring the arrested persons to court,” he added.
Appearing in the court, the accused made pleas for leniency claiming they had no previous records of offences.
“This is my first offence and I won’t repeat,” said Aden Mohammed, one of the accused persons.
Chief Inspector Jane Alango, who was prosecuting the case, said the accused should serve as an example to those not complying.
“Nema has done several sensitisations and public forums on the ban. Besides polluting the environment, the bags have killed many animals.
"People can use baskets and other containers in place of the bags. Today these people should be used to set an example to those still using the banned bags,” she said.
Selling sugarcane
The court heard that John Matiko, Michael Nyawa, Peter Chache were found selling sugarcane packed in plastic bags at Lights in Kongowea.
Apple fruits vendors Martin Musila, Mumo Nganyi, Katoi Mange and Timothy Mwiti were also arrested during the operation at Buxton for packing the fruits in the banned bags.
Aden Mohamed, an owner of a shop at Mwembe Tayari, affirmed in court that he was found in possession of the plastic bags but not selling them.
Benson Musyoki, Mweha Jawa and Amos Mutela were found parking vegetables in the banned bags.
The operation was conducted on October 10 jointly by Nema officials targeting plastic bags users in Mombasa.
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