By : Yusuff Baishe
The Story Unfolds in Hindi
Youth from Hindi, led by a bold activist known as “Mkenya Halisi” from the Community Voice Action (CBO) organization, recently gathered for a Social Accountability Meeting in Hindi, Lamu County. The forum gave residents a safe space to discuss critical issues affecting their daily lives.
Stepping up to address the gathering, local advocate Judith Nzai shared a shocking realization.
“Last month, in June 2026, the reality of our situation became clear. Almost 30 cartons of energy drinks were seized by health officers and destroyed right before our eyes. The expiration dates were from 2024. These products had been sitting on shelves for nearly two years, being sold to our children and neighbors.”
Following her testimony, a mother known as Mama Junior stood up to share her own frightening experience.
“I had bought a soda for my son just a few days prior. He came to me, looking confused, and asked, ‘Mum, the bottle says it expired in 2024. Is it okay to drink?’ I was absolutely shocked. I have been buying these for him for so long, and now I am terrified. What health issues have I unknowingly invited into his life?”
Another attendee, Collins Muna, captured the frustration of the room, posing a direct and probing question to the authorities: “What is the actual job of Public Health in Lamu County?”
Expanding the Investigation to Amu Old Town
Following up on these reports in Amu Old Town, the situation proved to be just as alarming. Many shops run by both non-residents and locals alike are openly stocking and selling expired goods.
Salama Hassan, a resident of Amu, recounted a close call with her child.
“There was a birthday party for my friend’s child. I went to a local shop to buy Dairy Milk chocolates. My child saw the box, so I opened a packet to keep them quiet before I wrapped gifts. Oh my God! The entire box was unopened, but the chocolates were completely covered in mold. I returned them immediately because I wanted no trouble or shame.”
The Accountability Failure
The frustration among residents is compounded by a perceived lack of enforcement by local authorities. While the Public Health Department in Lamu has updated its fee schedules and displayed tax and service boards outside their offices, enforcement on the ground remains weak.
Families are left wondering how businesses continue to profit while putting public health especially the lives of innocent children at severe risk. The community is now calling for urgent, rigorous crackdowns and regular inspections to rid Lamu’s shops of expired products once and for all.
