Court declines to stop crackdown on illicit brews

A High Court judge on Tuesday declined to grant reprieve orders to a group which had challenged the manner in which raids are being conducted in the campaign against illicit liquor.

This follows allegations regarding its legitimacy arose.

Justice Isaac Lenaola refused to heed to the Association of Spirits Manufacturers’ request to intervene in stopping blanket condemnation and give proper guidelines on the war against illicit liquor.

Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu told the court that the group had not indicated its officials, attached any official document or presented a stamp of certification to prove its credibility as required by the law.

Mr Waititu was present in Court even though his two lawyers spoke on his behalf when the turn of events saw the judge order the group to present documents indicating that it is a credible organisation on Wednesday.

Justice Lenaola ordered the association to appear in court on Wednesday with a license to show that it is registered and to also present a list of its members to prove they are certified to manufacture alcoholic drinks.

Despite the fact that the group’s organizing Secretary Robert Kanogo had sworn an affidavit to support claims that the raids led by Mr Waititu in the campaign against illicit brews were unlawful, the judge insisted tangible proof of the group’s membership and its operating license.