This archive report was first published on 27 October 2021.
On October 26, 2021, Vincent Omallah, the CEO of Ceragem Limited, faced a grueling session before the National Assembly's committee on health.
Members of Parliament were informed that the electric blanket sold by Ceragem, which led to the burning of Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria's feet, was banned in Texas, US, in 2005.
The Attorney General of Texas had banned Ceragem in his state for making exaggerated claims, including curing cancer, epilepsy, obesity, and heart disease.
It was further established that Ceragem Limited was operating across the country without approval from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, as required by law.
Moreover, Ceragem staff were found to have no medical background, despite posing as alternative medicine suppliers.
When questioned about how their staff manage to attend to clients without medical qualifications, Omallah said that the products come with instruction manuals for clients, downplaying the need for trained health personnel.
He also claimed that their products are certified by Kebs at the point of entry into the country.
However, this came after Kuria revealed that he has taken action against the company over the burning incident.
The lawmaker said that he wrote to the DCI to probe into the criminal elements of the company's dealings.
He demanded to know why the company that was banned in Texas was freely operating in the country.
"Their products were banned in Texas for fraudulently making claims of curing cancer. The company must take responsibility, I have contacted DCI and the criminal process is taking place," Kuria, who is still admitted at the hospital, said.
