The government has cracked the whip on traders exploiting Kenyans by hiking the prices of subsidised maize flour.
Moses Ochieng, a businessman in Kwale County, became the first casualty in the operation after he was arrested on Friday for selling a 2kg packet of maize flour at Sh120 instead of Sh90.
Ochieng was arrested on Friday at Kombani Trading Center in Kwale after members of the public alerted the police of his exploitation.
He admitted that he had sold four packets before he was apprehended, pleading with the court to forgive him as he had a family to take care of.
The court granted State counsel Cecilia Wakoli's plea that the accused needed to be punished for benefitting unfairly from the current maize flour shortage.
In handing down the sentence, the magistrate stated that the case was the first of its kind and the accused needed to serve as an example to others.
He was sentenced to five months imprisonment with the option of Sh10,000 fine.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that there was a shortage of the subsidised flour with Kenyans opting for the more expensive but available brands.
In Ukwala Supermarkets, shoppers are not allowed to buy the subsidised flour alone.
One shopper, Mr Orido revealed that he was literally forced to take products he hid not need so as to buy the subsidised flour.
