The Ministry of Health has reiterated that the ban on smoking shisha is still in force and should be complied with.
Through the Director of Public Health Dr Kepha Ombacho, the ministry added that claims that the ban had been lifted were unfounded.
“This is to bring to the public knowledge that legal notice No. 188 of 28th December, 2017, Shisha Ban in Kenya, is still on and should be complied with in total as was intended from 28th December.
[caption caption="Director of Public Health Dr Kepha Ombacho"]
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“Lies that the ban was lifted by our courts are mischievous, unfounded and are not based on facts,” added Dr Ombacho.
He further called on officers enforcing the ban to “enhance surveillance to ensure total compliance”.
“Anybody or persons found not complying should be subjected to necessary actions as provided for,” reiterated the director.
This statement comes just a few days after 15 people believed to be among importers, manufacturers, sellers, promoters and users of shisha in the country moved to court in response to Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu’s ban.
Justice John Mativo declined to temporarily lift the ban, directing the 15 applicants to file the main case and serve the CS and the Attorney-General with court papers before the hearing on January 4.
Shisha traders on Friday moved to court to challenge the decision by Health CS Mailu banning its consumption.
The applicants moved to Milimani Law Courts accusing the CS of irregularly making the decision through a notice issued last week.
[caption caption="Health CS Cleopa Mailu"]
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Through their lawyer Hosea Matundura, the applicants complained that the legal notice was erroneous and could lead to job losses.
CS Mailu has now been sued over the ban which the petitioners claim is a contravention of rights and freedoms.
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