Joseph ole Lenku reads riot act to police and chiefs

Deputy Administration Police Commandant for Baringo Central Benson Wafula (right) inspects illicit brew at Kabarnet Police Station. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN

What you need to know:

  • Lenku also warned the public against taking illicit liquor especially alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets, plastic bottles and jerrycans as they were easily adulterated
  • Nacada has been directed to test all brands of alcoholic drinks — both local and imported

The Interior ministry has warned of severe action against police in charge of killer spirit areas.

Several chiefs and their assistants from areas where dozens of people died after consuming the liquor have already been interdicted.

In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said the government has directed administrators and the police to intensify crackdown on illicit brews to ensure the menace is eradicated.

“Following the death of 70 people after drinking illicit alcohol, the Government wishes to express profound condolences to the families of the bereaved and re-assures Kenyans that immediate action has been taken against those responsible,” Mr Lenku said.

“Suspects have been arrested and those on the run are being pursued,” he said. The number of those in hospital was 181 by Wednesday evening, he added. (READ: Two arrested over alleged killer brew as toll rises)

The Cabinet Secretary also warned the public against taking illicit liquor especially alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets, plastic bottles and jerrycans as they were easily adulterated.

At the same time, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has been directed to test all brands of alcoholic drinks — both local and imported — being sold in the country to ensure they meet Public Health standards.

ILLICIT BREWS

The authority will also ensure that molasses sold as livestock feed is salted so that it is not diverted to illicit brew factories.

Mr Lenku said that surgical spirit and similar industrial alcohol will have to be colour-coded and sealed to avoid their being mixed with neutral alcohol.

The Cabinet Secretary also announced that factories manufacturing liquor, and alcoholic drink outlets, must be profiled forthwith and all licenses and drinks on sale confirmed by Nacada.