Leaders in Bomet have decried the booming illicit brews business in the County which they said had netted the Judiciary a whooping Sh4 million in the last three months in form of fines.
Speaking at Mogosiek Baraza Park in Konoin Constituency during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, Governor Hillary Barchok and County Commissioner (CC), Geoffrey Omoding said the trend was worrying and had led to high cases of family breakups in the region.
“Following a crackdown on the sale and consumption of illicit brews across the county, the Judiciary has netted more than Sh.4 million in fines with hundreds of offenders having been arrested and prosecuted in the last one year,” said Omoding.
Omoding said “In the same period, 500,000 litres of kangara and 2,000 litres of chang’aa has been netted in the swoop which is still ongoing. We have compiled a list of the brewers and dealers and established that some of the chang’aa is being sourced from a neighbouring county.”
He said cases of defilement, rape and early marriages were also on the rise as a result of the illicit brew trade in the area with parents having abdicated their duties and responsibility in the family units.
“Six suspects have been arrested and are under prosecution following cases of defilements and rape in the county which are on the rise,” Mr Omoding said.
Dr Barchok urged the youth to shun consumption of illicit brews and third generation liquors and instead engage in income generating projects.
“I am appealing to the youth in particular to shun illicit brews and start income generating projects that would improve their lives in the society,” Dr Barchok said.
The Governor said the county and national government would work hand in hand to eradicate illicit brews in the society in order to have a people that can engage in meaningful development.
He appealed to farmers to diversify their agricultural investments both for economic gain and address issues of malnutrition.
“Small scale tea growers especially in Konoin should engage in dairy production and diversify their engagements into avocado farming and other horticultural activities,” said Dr. Barchok.
By Joseph Obwocha
