The Judiciary has dismissed claims that it ordered the release of contaminated rice into the market terming the allegations as malicious and aim to taint its image.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary, Catherine Wambui, stated that the matter in court was never about poisonous rice.
Wambui added the case in question was about 20 per cent of the consignment of rice which did not meet size standard and was to be reclassified and downgraded.
“By the consent of both parties in the case, the good rice was released more than three months ago but the multi-agency refused to open the go-down,” she cited.
The press release further stated that by the time the judgment was passed, all the stock was still intact. The parties involved had realised the rice, which was alleged to be substandard, had minimal variations.
Considering all these issues, Justice Eric Ogola ordered the immediate release of the 10,327 tonnes of rice valued at more than Ksh250 million.
Following the move by the judge, Kenyans took to social media to criticize the Judiciary for issuing orders that could see the public consume the rice.
Dr Auma Obama, sister to former US President, Barack Obama, was among those who expressed their disbelief in the ruling.
“If you are a Kenyan, and even if you’re not, please spread the word. Is it possible that a judge can defeat justice? Hopefully fake news,” she posted on Twitter.
