Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina and Senator Joe Nyutu have issued an ultimatum to illicit brew traders to close shops, saying that the fight is unstoppable to save a generation at risk of being wiped out.
This comes as administrators and the public are still reeling in shock after it emerged that more casualties have been reported after a lethal brew suspected to be laced with ethanol left more than ten people dead while five lost their eyesight in the neighbouring Kirinyaga County.
Speaking at Ithiru, Kandara Constituency, on Wednesday during a Murang’a NGAAF project meeting, the Woman Representative noted that alcoholism is detrimental to the growth and development of any society and added that it is paramount that all stakeholders join in the fight.
“Murang’a women will fight illicit brews to the end because it is unacceptable for our young men, women, and even the elderly to die from consuming the illicit brews as the sellers and manufacturers thrive through this trade,” she said. “We are tired of burying our sons,” she added.
Maina further thanked the local administration and the police for the spirited fight they have continuously put into arresting the traders of illicit brews.
Senator Joe Nyutu called on liquor licensing bodies to get tough on standardisation and licensing of the brews, as some contain harmful substances and should not be on the market.
“We must save our generation, and we join Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in this fight and declare that manufacturers and traders of illicit brews in the Mt. Kenya region will be brought to book,” he averred.
“Stringent measures must be put in place, as we will not allow killer brews in this region,” added Nyutu.
At the same time, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Engineer Anthony Mwaura noted that the economy cannot be developed with proceeds from illicit brews.
“Stop collecting bribes to allow the illicit brew trade to go on; together we can save our generation, and the local administration must be on the lookout for these illicit brews and substance dealers,” he observed.
Mwaura also called on parents in the avocado-rich county to encourage and allow their children to pursue education, as it is the only way to secure their future and seize the numerous opportunities available globally.
“Education is an equaliser and game changer in today’s ever-competitive world, so allow your children to go to school so that way they will uplift society; no child should be home harvesting avocados or carrying out activities that are not related to their school work,” he reiterated.
During the event, which was attended by hundreds, the woman representative issued 15 water tanks to 15 public institutions, and over 1000 elderly men and women above 67 years of age were gifted with blankets and food essentials.
The Ithiru community members were also given 5,000 seedlings of the Hass avocado.
By Florence Kinyua
