Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has taken decisive action, recalling senior and National Government Administration officers in the wake of 13 fatalities resulting from the consumption of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga.
Following the tragic incident at a local pub on February 6, where individuals experienced blurred vision after imbibing the toxic substance, Kindiki has mandated a thorough investigation into the conduct of officers responsible for the area at the time. He warned that those found culpable will face appropriate administrative consequences.
The aftermath of the incident has sparked national outrage, prompting calls from leaders for stringent measures to tackle alcohol and substance abuse.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the county health department, liquor licensing authorities, and the county administration in cracking down on illicit liquor trade.
She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the brewing and sale of illicit alcohol promptly.
In a coordinated operation, authorities seized 750 liters of pure ethanol from a residence in Kiambu’s Ruaka area, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit alcohol nationwide.
This joint operation, involving officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Police Service (NPS), also recovered 40 empty drums believed to have contained the confiscated ethanol.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Anthony Omerikwa, cautioned against the consumption of such substances, highlighting the grave health risks associated with counterfeit or illegally produced alcohol, including blindness and fatality.
