16 suspects charged with illegal operation of pharmacies in Nakuru

16 suspects arrested during the clamping down of illegal pharmacies within Nakuru County  were on Monday May 27 arraigned before a Nakuru Court.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday during the crackdown aimed at curbing unregistered health facilities, a move that was initiated by pharmacists body early this month.

Appearing before Principle Magistrate Bernard Mararo, the suspects were charged with motley offenses including masquerading as pharmacists and operating a pharmacy business without licenses from the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

They are also facing charges of possession of drugs in chemists without a license from the Board contrary to provisions of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board act.

For instance, Mr. Daniel Kiago was accused of carrying out pharmacy business in Lanet area without registration to operate as a pharmacist.

He was also charged with a second count of unlawfully handling drugs at the chemist.

Ms. Scholastica Kwamboka was charged with operating a pharmacy business at Kaptembwa Estate, which is a premise unregistered by the PBB.

All suspects however denied the charges and were released on a Ksh.20,000 bond with a surety of similar amounts or an alternative cash bail of Ksh.10,000 each.