Killer liquor manufacturer closed

A bottle of liquor found at Kiawamwaki farm in Limuru on May 06, 2014 where ten people died after consuming the illicit alcohol. PHOEBE OKALL

Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia Thursday ordered the closure of a company that manufactured liquor that has so far killed 76 people.

In a statement, Mr Macharia identified the company as Comrades Investment Company and said it manufactured some of the deadly liquor that claimed lives in Makueni, Kitui, Murang’a, Kiambu and Embu.

He said results of tests done on samples of liquor from the affected areas showed that they had 100 per cent level of methanol against the required zero.

The Cabinet Secretary said according to the preliminary results, there was high levels of methanol in Sacramento Cane Spirit and Countryman liquor.

"The results show high levels( up to 100 per cent) of methanol contents which in normal circumstances is supposed to be at 0 per cent"

This, he said, was contrary to contrary to to the provision of Section 5 of the Food, Drugs and Chemical Subtances Act Chapter 54 of the Kenyan law.

He listed other brands manufactured by the company as Hardyman Brandy, Hardyman Gin, Hardyman Vodka, Georges Vodka, Georges Brandy, Rhyneberg Brandy, Pamoja Brandy and Pamoja Gin.