Four victims of killer liquor buried

By  ANNE MACHARIA

What you need to know:

  • One of the dead, Paul, was a teacher at a local primary school. Knut official Michael Muna said the problem of excess alcohol consumption was rife even among teachers
  • Area Ward Representative John Kaniaru said the Assembly would revise the Kiambu Alcohol Act to include more clauses to address the sale of illicit brews

Four family members who died after consuming an illicit drink have been buried.

A father, Mr Peter Kimani, 64, his two sons—Charles Mbiyu, 33, Augustine Kimani, 30 and their uncle Paul Kimani Mau, 51, were laid to rest in Limuru, Kiambu County, on Tuesday.

Another family member, Peter’s son John Njagi, 30, who went blind after taking the same liquor, mourned by their caskets as villagers shed tears uncontrollably.

Also Read

Peter’s family was reduced by half as his wife Alice Wairimu was left with Njagi and their other son George Mau.

Local leaders attended the emotional send-off, and included MPs John Kiragu (Limuru), Paul Koinange (Kiambaa), Knut–Kiambu West secretary-general Michael Muna and deputy county commissioner Kang’ethe Thuku.

One of the dead, Paul, was a teacher at a local primary school. The Knut official said the problem of excess alcohol consumption was rife even among teachers, calling for remedial action.

“We have a big problem and there is need to put up rehabilitation centres and counselling facilities in hospitals to help many addicted to alcohol,” Mr Muna said.

Mr Koinange said makers and sellers of the killer drink should be traced. Since the Kenya Revenue Authority receives tax from alcohol producers, it should be easy to find the makers of the poisonous liquor, he said.

“KRA through information from PINs know from whom they collect tax for a given alcohol. We are in pain after losing so many people to alcohol and need to know who is responsible,” he said.

“Nacada chairman John Mututho also needs an anti-alcohol and drugs squad similar to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, because alcohol is surpassing terrorism in killing our people,” Mr Koinange added.

NOT ALCOHOL BUT POISON

Mr Kiragu said that what the victims took was not alcohol but poison. He added that the fight against illicit drinks should not be left to the government, but everybody should speak out.

Area Ward Representative John Kaniaru said the Assembly would revise the Kiambu Alcohol Act to include more clauses to address the sale of illicit brews.

At Kawamwaki Village, 11 people died, two went blind and others were admitted to hospital.

In the headlines