War On Toxic Diapers and Sanitary Care Products

Joseph Mwai, an advocate of the high court, presented a petition seeking to compel manufacturers to provide accurate information concerning the materials used to produce sanitary pads and diapers. In a case filed by the lawyer, he accused the manufacturers of misleading consumers of Always and Kotex sanitary towels and Huggies and Pampers diapers.

"Taifa Mpya in partnership with Advocate Joseph Mwai have launched a MASSIVE lawsuit against ALWAYS, KOTEX, HUGGIES, AND PAMPERS, invoking Article 46 of Kenya's Constitution and the Consumer Protection Act," reads the petition in part.

This underscores the importance of consumer rights under Kenyan law. The producers declared cotton wool as the primary raw material for their sanitary care products, yet they allegedly used synthetic materials, predisposing consumers to infections and other related diseases.

In his petition, Mwai further accused the American manufacturers of misleading advertising by falsely claiming that their diapers were made from cotton or cotton-like materials, telling the courts that he had proof that the manufacturers similarly used synthetic material as their primary component of the diapers.

He further stated that the manufacturers of the Always and Kortex sanitary care products and Huggies and Pampers diapers have listed complaints about complex chemical compounds that are difficult for the average consumer to comprehend their true nature and potential health implications.

He added that the use of technical jargon and unfamiliar terms in the products creates a barrier to the consumer in understanding and making informed decisions about the product, which is largely consumed by women and children. This exposes them to potential Urinary tract infections, which could lead to Kidney infections and Cancer. The case was presented before justice Chacha Mwita on Tuesday October 15,and the hearing of the case was scheduled to March 24, 2025.