Nairobi, Aug. 2 -- British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya faces a constitutional petition seeking Sh4.5 billion from the cigarette maker for reportedly unlawfully promoting its VELO nicotine pouches and breaching tobacco control laws.

The suit seeks Sh1.5 billion for a public health fund as compensation for damage to public health, tobacco cessation, public health education and treatment of nicotine addiction among young persons and Sh3 billion in punitive damages, alongside a product recall.

The petition, filed by 23-year-old Vivian Anemba, also accuses health regulators and state prosecutors of failing to enforce tobacco control laws against the NSE-listed company.

VELO are smokeless, tobacco-free pouches containing nicotine, flavourin...