Two die after drinking illicit brew in Vihiga

Two men in Khusikulu Wemilabi, Vihiga County lost their lives on Wednesday after allegedly consuming illicit liquor.

Locals said that the two were spotted drinking at a well-known cha’ngaa den in the region.

The bodies of the two were taken to Coptic Mortuary in Maseno, where it was determined that the cause of death was consumption of poisoned alcohol.

“The first body that we received this morning was that of Aston Ondeko Harun (43). At about 2:00pm we received was that of Joseph Amu Abukuse (52). During the embalmment process I found that both bodies had very high concentration of poisoned alcohol,” said mortuary boss Ali Obala.

Obala recommended for further investigations to be conducted so that the source of the poisoned brew could be isolated before more people were affected.

When contacted for comment, Assistant Chief Marycolleta Wasike and Emuhaya OCPD Benson Kilonzo said they were not aware of the incident.

Lorry impounded

Police in Chogoria have impounded a lorry that was transporting second generation liquor in Chogoria town, Maara constituency.

Confirming the incident, Tharaka Nithi County Police Coordinator, Yusuf Bashane, said that police who were on patrol intercepted the lorry under registration number KCB 915M.

Upon inspection, they found that the lorry had 810 cartons of Bubbles Spirit, one of the outlawed drinks. Officers arrested the driver, and he will be arraigned in at Chuka Law Courts once investigations are completed.

In December Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery called on the local administration to bolster the fight against illicit brew, threatening to sack Chiefs and their assistants if any illicit brew is found within their jurisdiction over the festive season.

His sentiments echoed president Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks when declared a total war on second generation alcohol in 2015. The Head of State called for the destruction of illicit liquor and the prosecution of those who taking part in the production and distribution of the banned drinks.