One dead after consuming illicit brew in Laikipia

One person has died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor at Gatundia area in Laikipia west.

The middle-aged man was found dead Tuesday morning at Gatundia trading center after allegedly drinking the illicit brew that was sold in the area.

The incident has since caused protests by local leaders and residents who raised alarm over the resurgence of illegal brews in the area.

The leaders led by Githiga ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Thomi called on the provincial administration to explain the measures taken to rid the area of illicit brews.

He regretted that residents had complained to the provincial administration over the sale of the killer brews and yet no action was taken, adding that the brews have made a comeback in the area.

“We want the government to come out clearly and tell us why the businessmen are selling illicit brews despite the ban by the government.

Our youths are now back to drinking these brews since they are being sold even during the day,” he complained.

On her part, Laikipia Member of Parliament Jane Apollos accused the provincial administration of doing little to fight the killer brews and asked Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery to crack the whip.

“We cannot be burying our youths almost on a daily basis and yet somebody is being paid to control the sale of alcohol,” she said.

Commenting on the issue, Laikipia west Deputy County Commissioner Wilfred Kinyua promised to take action against any officer who would be found collecting bribes.

“The war on the sale of the illicit brew is still on and I want to warn any government official that action will be taken against him if illicit brew will be found in his or her area,” he said.