Police impound illicit alcohol near State Lodge

Thousands of litres of illicit brew were impounded in a building near the Kisumu State Lodge in a police crackdown on Sunday.

Officers from a new Administration Police outfit, Quick Response Team (QRT), raided the home of a man identified as Karanja Kinyanjui where they found the alcohol. They took samples to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) for testing.

Several Kebs stickers found in the home will also be investigated to find out if they are genuine.

Mr Kinyanjui was not at his home distillery during the raid led by the head of QRT Mr Karanja Muiruri.

This came as crackdown on illicit alcohol went on in several parts of the country.

Kisumu Sub-County AP boss Joseph Keitany told the Nation they will arrest and charge all illegal brewers and distillers.

On Friday, at least 37 people said to be selling illicit brew in Obunga Estate and around the Kisumu Bus Park were arrested.

At least 570 litres of busaa, 470 litres of Kangara, 50kg of bhang and 75 litres of chang’aa were impounded during the swoop.

“We have been accused of not doing enough to end alcohol abuse but as you can see, we are working very hard to end the menace,” he said.

The alleged owner of the premises where the drinks were found, a Mr Kinyanjui, was unavailable for comment even as police launched investigations into his activities.

Mr Keitany said several other alleged illegal distillers are targeted for possible arrest.

In Nakuru, leaders joined President Uhuru’s fight against alcoholism.

The leaders said they will also speak against anyone who buys young people alcohol in exchange for votes or for any other reason.

Nakuru Senator James Mungai, nominated Senator Paul Njoroge, Deputy Governor Joseph Ruto and MPs Samuel Arama (Nakuru West), Joseph Kiuna (Njoro), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bbahati), Jacob Macharia (Molo), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Nelson Gaichuhie (Subukia) and Mathenge Nderitu (Gilgil) said they will support efforts by Nakuru County Commissioner Mohamed Birik to rid the county off illicit alcohol.

CANCEL LICENCES

Meanwhile, the nine breweries of second generation liquor in Kirinyaga County have been closed down following a presidential order.

Governor Joseph Ndathi warned that those found operating would be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Ndathi who spoke in Kutus said he would also cancel the licences issued to the brewers.

“When we issued the licenses, we knew they were manufacturing safe products. We will therefore withdraw them since the companies have turned around to produce dangerous products,” Mr Ndathi said.

“My county is working with the national government to eradicate illicit brews so our youth don’t waste away,” the governor added.

“We will not sit and watch as our young people are reduced into zombies, completely unable to take part in nation building. Others have died after taking drinks laced with dangerous chemicals. This can’t continue.”

Mr Ndathi who was accompanied by Senator Daniel Karaba, Woman Representative Winnie Njuguna and top security officers accused the Kebs of certifying some brewers even when they know they manufacture dangerous alcoholic drinks.

Reports by Moses Odhiambo, Benard Ogembo, James Kariuki and George Munene