The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has now drilled his sights on the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) due to the emergence of sugar which is not fit for human Consumption was illegally smuggled into the County.
The DPP explained to the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that “KEBS did not adhere to standards in clearing impounded sugar and that the sugar contained chemical levels above recommended standards.”
The Managing Director Charles Ongwae stated when he appeared before the trade committee that were no traces of mercury in the sugar samples which were seized by the multi-agency task force on the illicit goods following a heavy metals test on the samples.
He further added that imported sugar is always tested in the country of origin and at the point of entry.
His sentiments are in line with what Trade Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed but strongly disagrees with Interior CS Fred Matiang’I. This clearly leaves Kenyans with questions concerning on who is telling the truth and why are government agencies speaking a different language.
He further stated that the body was undertaking various initiatives to ensure it becomes effective in the way it works. “Over the last 40 years we have covered some ground; not all, that is why you will see some of these product in the market.”
The Interior Cabinet Secretary had announced that the sugar had mercury while quoting tests from the Government Chemist, but the claims were refuted on the previous Wednesday, by his Industrialization counterpart.
The sugar which is rumored to be mainly from Brazil – was seized in Eastleigh estate in Nairobi and suspects arrested.
Ongwae however revealed that the tests showed the presence of lead and copper above what is normal as per the standards of quality.
