Alcohol stakeholders in Narok County have held a public rally to sensitize the residents on the effects of illicit brews.
The forum held in Narok town was led by South Rift National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) manager Robert Olweny and Narok County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Administration, Devolution and Liquor Ms. Josephine Ngeno.
Olweny said the illicit brewers mix ethanol with water to produce a product of over 70 percent alcohol and sell to their customers at a cheap price.
He warned that when one consumes the illicit brew, he or she is likely to suffer from liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, blindness and impotence among men.
The illegal alcohol he said, also increases domestic violence, poverty, mental sickness especially when one starts consuming at an early age and also increases chances of suicide.
Olweny cautioned the residents to desist from consuming alcoholic drinks that could ruin their lives during this Christmas festive season.
On her part, Ms. Ngeno warned that her officials will not allow any premises to operate without a valid license during this festival season.
“The government loves you, that is why we are here to sensitize you on the dangers of consuming illicit brews. We want people to drive responsively during this season,” she said.
She regretted that cases of new HIV infections in the county are high for people between the ages of 15 and 24 years at 54 percent, adding there is a possibility that most of these young people are infected when drunk.
Narok Central Sub County Police Commander Frederick Shiundu said the police will arrest all those who will be found consuming illicit brews during this season.
“Why do you consume something that denies you the right to live? We will continue arresting those consuming the illicit brews because we love them and we want them to live a healthy long life,” he said.
Narok Alcohol and Substance abuse director Ms. Esther Pussy said they have carried out sensitization programmes in all the sub counties and inspected all the liquor premises in order to close those that have not met the required qualifications.
She warned those running bars, nightclubs and wine and spirit premises near schools, residential areas and churches that they risk being arrested.
Narok Central Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Ms. Emily Muli, who represented the county commissioner asked the residents to collaborate with the relevant authorities and report those selling the illicit brews.
By Ann Salaton
