Central Regional Commissioner (RC) Fredrick Shisia has called for collaboration among government agencies to curb the alcoholism menace in the central region.
Mr Shisia was reacting to reports that a suspect connected to the poisonous liquor in Kirinyaga that has so far claimed 13 lives, has been arrested 15 times but is always released from custody under unclear circumstances.
Speaking after leading a multi-agency team to inspect the premises where the liquor is manufactured in Kangai, the RC confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and will be arraigned in court to face murder charges.
He regretted the unfortunate loss of life resulting from the incident warning that the multi-agency team would intensify the fight against illicit brews and deal ruthlessly with those behind the illegal trade.
Shisia said Central Region has been at the forefront of the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse and called on officers in both levels of government tasked with the responsibility to work together for the benefit of the citizens.
“I call upon all government agencies to work together for the benefit of our employees who are Kenyan citizens, let’s not fight. They should not compete but reinforce each other, they are holding the offices in trust of the people”
The administrator tasked the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and KRA to unravel what happened at Kangai. He further called for collaboration between the government and residents to eradicate the poisonous liquor in the area.
Residents of Kangai area where the liquor den is situated set the pub on fire saying that they took the law into their own hands after the authorities failed to arrest and prosecute the culprit, who has been selling the illicit brew during the day and night.
Njamumo urged residents to maintain peace and give the government time saying even those operating bars and liquor outlets without licenses will face the full force of the law.
He said the Kirinyaga County Assembly is in the process of passing the Alcohol Bill and that will enhance enforcement of the current laws which are in place.
The leaders have pledged to lend a hand to affected families so they can bury their loved ones who succumbed to the lethal brew.
By David Wandeto and Mutai Kipngetich
