Alcohol distiller sues Kebs over certificate cancellation

A beer-making company has sued Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) for cancellation of certificates of production of three alcoholic brands without informing the owners.

Patiala Distillers Kenya Ltd who are the brand owners, through their lawyers led by Danstan Omari, filed a suit in the High Court seeking orders to suspend the decisions made by Kebs for lacking authenticity.

The lawyer is seeking conservatory orders, saying Kebs have failed to comply with rules of natural justice.

He stated that the organisation is operating on hearsay because they have the capacity to determine whether the allegations of producing sub-standard drinks and supplied to the Kenyans for consumption.
Among the brands whose licences was cancelled are the Flying Horse and Diamond Ice.

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Speaking to journalists at Milimani law court on Wednesday, the lawyer said that Kebs does not have anybody who has died or being injured or victims whom they can associate with to justify their actions. “Kebs does not operate with rumours to produce anonymous complaint since they are equipped with necessary equipment to justify any claim,” said Omari.