‘Mentally Ill’ Kenyan Man Who Was Arrested with Sh275,000 in Cash, 15,000 Banned Plastic Bags Arraigned

A suspected mentally ill Kenyan man who was arrested with Sh275,000 in cash and 15,000 pieces of banned plastic bags was on Monday arraigned in court.

Patrick Sikuku, a 38-year-old man from Mkulima area in Kimilili, Bungoma County was arraigned on Monday before Kimilili Resident Magistrate Gladys Olimo.

The court directed Sikuku be subjected to a mental examination to determine whether he can take a plea.

The magistrate further ordered Sikuku’s Sh275,000 be deposited in court’s bank account. Magistrate Olimo said the money will be given back to him once his case is heard and determined.

The matter will be heard on July 18th, 2019, the same date when Sikuku's mental examination report will be presented in court.

The suspect was arrested during a crackdown on people still using banned polythene bags in Bungoma.

The operation was carried out by officers from the National Environment Management Agency (Nema) in collaboration with the police.

Kenya banned plastic bags on February 28th, 2017 to curb environmental pollution.