The Mountain Journal
A Kerugoya law court has reviewed bail terms for a woman charged with six counts relating to the manufacture and sale of alcohol without a license.
Josephine Karioko Muchira had her bail reviewed to Ksh.300,000 up from Ksh.30,000 after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) made an application for review.
The review of the bail terms follows a public outcry and protest from the County Government of Kirinyaga.
The woman was arrested on February 19, 2024, at Ngorongoro area of Kutus while in possession of Ksh.959,740 cash allegedly hidden in a manhole that was also being used to store suspected illicit alcohol.
The suspect and her alleged husband Victor Muriithi Njeru were charged before Chief Magistrate Grace Kirugumi on Tuesday.
They were charged with manufacturing and selling alcohol without a valid license, selling liquor before the permitted hours, operating bar without a license, having counterfeit goods, and having proceeds of crime.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Jane Maari who applied for review under section 21 of the Constitution (Bail Guidelines for Courts of Judicature) Practice Directions 2022, had asked the court to review the bail terms saying they were too lenient.
The Assistant ODDP emphasized on the seriousness of the charges and the need for appropriate measures to ensure accountability and deterrence in cases related to alcohol licensing violations.
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