Eleven suspects were arrested in Laikipia County and 20300 litres of Kangara destroyed by authorities during a multi-agency led-operation on Monday.
Confirming the incident, Laikipia County Police Commander John Nyoike said that during the sting operation by the multi-agency team, one of the suspects from Likii informal settlement was arrested and fined Sh300,000 by a Nanyuki court on Monday and after being released, she was again rearrested after being found in possession of more illicit brews during the operation at her homestead in Likii.
Nyoike said that the government will not relent until the war against illicit brews is won in the Mount Kenya region.
“This is an operation we are proceeding with in Laikipia until the war on illicit alcohol brewing is won. I want to urge members of the public for partnership because they are derailing us in our efforts by abetting the vice,” said the police boss.
He noted that it was everyone’s responsibility to fight illicit alcohol for a sober society.
“Let us work together so that we can win this war on illicit brews. It’s not only for the police alone, but also for members of the public because, if it continues being sold, it affects many people,” urged the police commander.
Nturukuma location Chief Martin Kariuki reiterated the need for partnership to win the war against the illicit brews and at the same time urged courts to impose hefty fines on those found brewing the illicit brews.
“There are a few crafty people who we have fought for long on illicit alcohol and they keep on changing their tactics and recruit new people. They keep on brewing and it’s a challenge for us administrators,” said Kariuki.
By Muturi Mwangi