Likoni MP aspirant and activist Evans Momanyi has condemned the seizure of counterfeit cooking oil worth more than sh100 million in Mombasa, terming it a “national scandal” that exposes government failure in protecting citizens.
On September 7, a joint multi-agency team led by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) raided a private yard in Mombasa, where they discovered a large consignment of substandard and counterfeit cooking oil. Thirteen trucks had just offloaded crude oil, which was being decanted into drums for processing and distribution into local markets.
Momanyi said the discovery was proof that regulatory bodies had failed Kenyans.
“When toxic and substandard products find their way into our kitchens, it means the very institutions mandated to protect us, KEBS, DCI, and the Ministry of Trade, have failed in their duty. This is not mere negligence; it is betrayal of public trust,” he said.
He linked the circulation of unsafe goods to rising cases of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, accusing cartels of exploiting systemic corruption and lax enforcement.
“Kenyans deserve protection, not exploitation. The government must come clean: Who licensed, cleared, or ignored these consignments? Who benefits from this dirty business while citizens pay with their health and their lives?” he posed.
The activist called for accountability and stronger action against cartels involved in the counterfeit trade, insisting that the health of Kenyans must never be compromised for profit.
