Police forced to release arrested illicit brew suspects

More than 400 residents of Makongeni Estate in Thika on Tuesday stormed the area police station demanding for immediate release of 13 people said to have been arrested during the illicit brew raid on Saturday.

The residents, who were also demanding for the dismissal of the officers on duty on that day, faulted the failure of the OCS Makongeni to act on previous complaints regarding officers under him of taking bribes in liquor dens instead of arresting them.

The residents further accused police officers of assaulting residents during in the process of trying to close illegal liquor dens.

The Thika OCPD had a difficult time trying to calm down demonstrators who were threatening to torch the police station.

The County Government of Kiambu represented by chief of staff Samuel Onyango, however, convinced the irate crowd to appoint five representatives who will present their grievances officially to enable him take the necessary action.

The 13 youths were later released on a cash bail that was paid by the county government.