Murang’a County police officers apprehended vendors from Kaharati market on Tuesday, July 11 for engaging in the sale of painted avocados to unsuspecting buyers.
In response to an internet video clip showcasing a dissatisfied customer who had recently purchased these deceitfully altered fruits from the bustling market, the authorities swiftly took action.
Expressing concern, one of the officers stated, “We cannot allow this situation to persist. We must find a way forward. While we understand the need to make a living, it is essential to conduct honest business that does not jeopardize the well-being of consumers.”
The police officers cautioned the dishonest trader who had been deceiving Murang’a residents. It was reported that many buyers acquired these fruits while in their cars, without closely examining their quality.
The officers urged the traders to prioritize honesty and refrain from tarnishing the market’s reputation.
Moreover, they expressed distress over the discovery that some vendors were resorting to theft, stealing fruits from other people’s farms and subsequently painting them to avoid detection.
“We will investigate the source of these fruits. The rise in theft cases in the area must be addressed,” added one of the officers.
Additionally, apart from the fraudulent practice of painting avocados, it was revealed that the traders in Kaharati market had gone to the extent of injecting bananas with substances to create the illusion of ripeness. Experts have warned that these adulterated fruits are unfit for human consumption.
The viral video depicted a woman expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of the fruits after she washed the paint off the avocados she allegedly purchased at the market.
Initially, she believed the avocados were simply unripe but discovered they were actually rotten. She shared her frustration, stating, “I realized they had been painted to attract buyers. At this point, I fear we may be consuming something harmful. What kind of paint did they use on the fruit?”
The woman lamented the traders’ greed and impatience, attributing it to the challenging economic climate.
Buyers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing food items on the roadside to avoid potential health complications.
In recent times, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of yogurt, fries, samosas, bananas, and fried chicken sold by roadside vendors in various Kenyan cities and towns.
After investigations revealed that unscrupulous vendors were repackaging expired products and marketing them as new, the Nairobi County Government issued a warning in March 2023, advising Kenyans to be vigilant when purchasing groceries.
