The Koibatek Sub-County security team has intensified the war on illicit brew in the area to minimise the dangers emanating from the consumption of the brew.
The crackdown follows a meeting conducted between the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ leaders and the security chiefs in the area.
The security heads led by area Deputy County Commissioner, Judith Cheruiyot, blamed the upsurge of increased consumption of illicit brew, which has been the trend for a long time.
The meeting, which was also attended by Chiefs and their Assistants, follows an impounding and destruction of 1,250 litres of chang’aa in the Maji Mazuri area.
Judith warned the Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi leaders to avoid taking bribes from the sellers of illicit brew, as this would derail the fight.
“I urge you (Chiefs) to desist from taking any bribes because that will compromise the efforts that we have made so far to solve this issue,” said Judith.
The Koibatek Sub-County Police Commander, Mr. Joseph Ongaya, also castigated the rising cases, disclosing that the police had impounded a Toyota Axio and a Toyota Harrier ferrying 300 litres of chang`aa and 1,080 litres of ethanol, respectively, which are being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station.
The police boss defended the police from allegations by Nyumba Kumi leaders that they had released illicit brew sellers from custody without a court trial.
“We play our role by arresting them and taking them to court. From there, the prosecutor presents charges against them, and the case is heard. The magistrate finally decides to grant them cash bail, bond, or sentence them to jail,” said the police boss.
Eldama Ravine Assistant County Commissioner David Cheruiyot asked Chiefs and Nyumba Kumi leaders to work together in controlling the rising cases of the upsurge in the consumption of the killer brews.
By Wambua Alex and Christopher Kiprop
