A multi-agency team fighting against illicit brewing in Narok county has destroyed over 200 litres of illicit brew at a drinking den at London estate, Narok town.
The team led by Narok Central Division Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Abdishakur Ali also arrested one person, believed to be the owner of the premises in which the illegal business was operating.
Among the illicit drinks nabbed and destroyed included 30 litres of Chang’aa, 200 litres of Kangara and several cartons of second-generation Alcoholic liquor.
The team that consisted of local chiefs, nyumba kumi representatives and village elders also destroyed the brewing apparatus they found.
Ali said the crackdown was prompted by a tip off from the intelligence source that revealed the notorious brewer who was operating the illegal business despite the government warning.
“I led a multi-agency team of police officers, chiefs and village elders who raided the drinking premise and destroyed the illicit brew,” he said.
Shakur called on the residents to report to his office any premises selling alcoholic drinks and does not have a legal license from the Liquor regulating authority and County Government of Narok.
“Only the licensed premises will be allowed to sell alcoholic drinks. I ask the members of the public to be on guard and report any person selling unregulated alcohol,” he said.
He thanked the public for volunteering information and asked them to continue working with the authority so as to eradicate the illegal alcoholic brands in the area.
“Many families have lost their loved ones and others remain in poverty because of consuming illicit alcohol that brings health complications. That is why we are encouraging people to only consume the drinks that have been legally allowed by the government,” said the ACC.
In October, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) held vigorous campaigns in major trading centers in Narok county, to sensitize people on alcohol and drug abuse.
Director in charge of corporate services at NACADA Patrick Obura, said they are working closely with the county governments to contain drugs and substance abuse in the county.
According to a report carried out in 2021 by the county government in collaboration with the NACADA, the prevalence of alcohol in the county is at 18 per cent, followed by tobacco at 10 per cent while miraa was the third at 5.3 per cent.
He committed to continue working with all stakeholders to eradicate illicit brew and drug abuse menace, through enforcement and public education, calling upon everyone, including the media, to help in the campaign.
By Ann Salaton
