A man in Kapenguria, West Pokot county has been convicted of selling veterinary medicine without registration, contrary to the Kenyan veterinary laws.
Robert Torilingat appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Kipchumba Kenei, where he was arraigned on two counts related to the illegal sale and possession of veterinary medicines.
The court prosecutor told the court that offences contravene Section 35(m) of the veterinary surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act No. 29 of 2011.
Torilingat was charged with selling tertiary medicines in categories III and IV on September 20, 2025 at Lomut Market in Pokot Central Sub County of West Pokot County, without registration by the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) and without a valid licence.
In a second count, Torilingat faced charges of being in possession of veterinary medicines contrary to the law.
When the charges were read out in court, the accused pleaded guilty, simply stating in Kiswahili, “Ni ukweli.”
The prosecution, led by the state counsel, informed the court that on September 20, 2025, at about 1:30pm, a compliance inspection was conducted by Vivian Chelagat, an inspector with the Kenya Veterinary Board.
During the inspection of a veterinary shop in the Lomut area, the court heard that the inspector found the accused in possession of and selling veterinary medicines without a license.
The prosecutor told the court that upon request by the inspector, Torilingat failed to produce any documentation proving his registration or licensing by the KVB.
An inventory of the medicine was taken, and the products were seized as exhibits. The accused was subsequently arrested and charged.
The prosecutor stated that five witnesses were available to testify if the matter had proceeded to a full hearing.
During mitigation, the accused pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he was unaware that it was illegal to sell ‘cow medicine’ without a licence.
He also informed the court that he suffers from high blood pressure and had not taken his medication.
In response, Kenei requested that the accused be taken to a hospital. The Magistrate further directed the Probation Office to prepare a Pre-Sentence Report to assist the court in determining an appropriate sentence.
The matter has been set for mention on September 29, 2025, when the probation report will be presented.
By Anthony Melly
