Unlicensed pharmacist fined Sh5,000

Nyeri, Kenya: A young pharmacy graduate arrested for practising trade without licence pleaded guilty yesterday before a Nyeri court.

Peter Karanja  faced two counts of operating a chemist and dispensing medication without licences from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

He was arrested by Drugs Inspectors and Police on February 10 at Ngangarithi town.

In his mitigation, he told Resident Magistrate John Aringo that he had no source of income and was forced to unlawfully operate the pharmacy in order to fend for his young family.

“The reason I am not a registered is because I finished my Diploma in Pharmacy last year, and I am yet to receive my results. I had planned to acquire the licences as soon as I get results this month,” he said.

Mr Aringo handed him a fine of Sh5,000 or a three-month jail term.

Meanwhile, a mother of three who assaulted a female cancer patient has been released on a bond of Sh 20,000.

Joyce Kariuki was also charged with the offence of destroying the property of Ann Muthoni on February 3 at Kiawara Township, in what is alleged to be a love dispute.

Hearing is on February 25.