Pokot residents staring at influx of killer drinks from Uganda

The residents of Kacheliba in Pokot North have been warned over increased sale and consumption of illegal second generation alcohol and highly toxic spirits from the neighbouring Uganda.

Speaking at the county headquarters in Kapenguria, the West Pokot acting County Commissioner, Mr Khalif Abdulahi, said the alcohol content in the over 20 brands of spirits packed in sachets contain 40% alcohol content, which is too high.

During a cross check in the sub county which borders Uganda, Abudulahi said the illegal alcohol has been on sale along the Kenya-Uganda border with some penetrating into the country.

The attributed the high uptake of the spirits to their cheap nature in terms of pricing.

The NACADA North Rift Regional Coordinator, Eunice Ambya, said they will carry out more sensitization campaigns to ensure bar owners in the county do not sell the illegal alcohol which has no mark of quality.

Eunice said that the alcohol samples were collected in Kacheliba townships and in Pokot North for more analysis.

They said, together with the provincial administration, that they will carry out more raids on suspected dens to ensure that Kenyans are protected.

She further said that they will withdraw licenses of bar owners selling such prohibited products which is negating the gains made against the fight against illegal and second generation alcohol in the country.

The team said the products were highly toxic and harmful.

Written by Erick Kombo