Patiala Distillers Limited director’s Francis Kiambi alias Matanka Kiambi and Mary Waigwe Muthoni who are facing charges of being in possession of unaccustomed goods at Monomania Law Court’s on Friday November 18,2016.
BY SAM ALFAN.
Two Directors who are charged with being in possession of unaccustomed goods valued at over Sh 9.6 million are now seeking orders to reopen their factory Patiala Distillers Kenya which was closed by Kenya Revenue Authority.
The directors are Francis Kiambi alias Matanka Kiambi and Mary Waigwe Muthoni
In court papers filed on November 18, 2016, Mr Kiamba who is seeking to be elected as Tharaka Nithi Senator in the coming general elections, told the court that he is making a loss of two million shillings a day since the closure of his company.
His lawyer Kiraithe Wandungi told Millimani Chief Resident Magistrate Joyce Gandani that most of the manufacturing products in the facility have a short shelve life.
The products include flavors used in manufacture of alcoholic drinks and it’s based in Embakasi area in Nairobi.
“My clients are suffering considerable damages and their incurring a Sh2 million loss a day,” said Wandugi.
However, the court declined to re-open the factory saying it must conduct a visit to the site.
“I am convinced that the accused will not suffer any prejudice if the court visits the facility,” ruled Gandani.
The two director were charged with being in possession of unaccustomed goods valued at over Sh 9.6 million.
They are charged alongside 60 casual labourers who works for their company.
They all denied the charges.
Magistrate Gandani confirmed that the court will visit Patiala Distillers Kenya Ltd based in Embakasi, for purpose of viewing the products kept in the firm.
Kenya Revenue Authority said they are not opposed to opening of the facilities but urged the court to visit the facilities before making any order.
The charge against the two states that on October,18, 2016 at Salford Godowns, within their firm were found in possession of 50 litres of Extra Neutral Spirit with dutiable value of Sh10,150,000.
The matter will be heard on December 15.
