This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Published on November 28, 2019
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is embroiled in a legal dispute with the National Traditional Herbalist Health Practitioners Association over the prosecution of its members.
The association has accused the board of unfairly targeting its members, but the PPB claims the group is providing false and misleading information.
The dispute centers around the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Samuel Kamau Kabugua, who runs a herbal clinic on Nairobi's Ngong Road.
Mr. Kabugua was arrested on June 17 and charged with manufacturing medicinal substances without a license and importing poisons unlawfully.
The association has denied the allegations, stating that Mr. Kabugua is duly registered and has complied with all the requirements under the Public Health Act.
The PPB has filed a fresh suit seeking to suspend an order blocking Mr. Kabugua's prosecution, claiming that it interferes with the board's role in identifying unscrupulous individuals engaging in illegal trading in pharmaceuticals.
According to the board, the health of the public is at risk, and the association and Mr. Kabugua will not suffer any prejudice if the order is set aside.
Lawyer Herman Omiti, representing the PPB, stated, 'It will not be prejudicial to the herbalists if the orders earlier granted are set aside. Instead, it will create great prejudice to the board and consumers of medicine if our request is not allowed.'
