Deadly Brew Kills 61 Countrywide

The deaths have been reported in Embu, Kiambu, Makueni and Kitui counties.

In Embu County, the number of deaths rose to 24 people overnight while in Kiambu, 15 people died after consuming the deadly brew.

The number of people who died in Makueni stands at 16 while in Kitui, the number of those reported dead was 6.

Several other people who took the illicit brew have reportedly gone blind.

The deaths were reported from last evening when the deadly brew was consumed.

Several others are still in hospitals fighting for their lives.

Following the deaths, Embu town chief, Titus Mugambi, and his assistant, Catherine Wanja were dismissed for failing to tackle illicit brews in their areas.

NACADA Chairman John Mututho who visited the affected areas called for the sacking of administrators starting with their County Commissioners.

This comes even as the Kakamega County Assembly passed a motion extending the legal drinking hours.

The motion is now awaiting the assent of the Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

The motion is aimed at extending operation hours of clubs from 10AM to 11PM during weekends and 12noon to 11PM during the weekdays.

If enacted, the law will run parallel to the famous ‘Mututho Laws’.

By Beth Nyaga