Chiefs demand security in war against illicit brews

Chiefs and their assistants in Nyahururu Sub County have asked the government to enhance their security in the fight against illicit brew.

The administrators claim that the intensification of the war against illegal brews, especially in the rural areas, has made them targets for attacks by suspected brewers.

This comes just days after an assistant chief was roughed up and her arm broken by suspected illegal brewers at Karandi area.

Mrs Jane Muchui had raided a drinking den at Karandi when she was attacked by the illegal brewers.

Their spokesman, Charles Ngunjiri, who is also the assistant chief for Muthengera, said the administrators feel that they were not receiving adequate security while fighting against illicit brews, adding that three chiefs, among them Joseph Muraya (Maina location) Eston Maina (Mutitu) and Sironi’s Joseph Gathiru, have received death threats.

He noted that a report had been filed detailing the challenges they face while doing their job and affirmed that they would not relent on the war against the sale and consumption of the illegal brews.

Meanwhile, women youth groups in Nyahururu Sub County took to the streets to protest the attack on Mrs Jane Muchui after she was assaulted by a brewer during a crackdown on illicit brews.

The women, led by Laikipia County’s Maendeleo ya Wanawake organisation (MYWO) Vice Chair Irene Wachuka and several others from human rights groups held peaceful demonstrations while accusing police officers of laxity on the arrest of the culprits.

They further complained about the persistent attacks on chiefs as they conduct raids on illicit brew dens saying it was setting an unhealthy precedence, and called on the government to ensure that officers spearheading the crackdown are protected.

Asli Galgalo contributed to this story