Koibatek Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Omar Ali has put illicit brewers on notice after a joint security crackdown netted 50 litres of Ethanol in Eldama Ravine town.
Ali warned those engaging in the illegal trade that they will not relent in the fight against the vice until the practice is brought to an end. “We know the people involved and we also know the houses, it’s just a matter of time before we apprehend all the culprits,” said the DCC.
Omar was speaking after a crackdown on illicit and unaccustomed ethanol in Shauri Yako village of Eldama ravine Town.
During the swoop, James Nderitu was nabbed with 22 litres of suspected ethanol and two plastic toy pistols at his home while Edwin Musyomi was also flagged and arrested while exiting Nderitu’s compound with 25 litres of suspected ethanol aboard a motorbike.
According to the police report, both the suspects were booked at Eldama Ravine Police Station with their exhibits including the motorbike awaiting to be arraigned in court.
The multi-agency operation was led by Koibatek Sub County Police Commander Joseph Ongaya, Eldama Ravine Assistant County Commissioner Haniel Kuria and area chiefs after a tip-off from members of the public.
In another Sting operation, Omar led Police officers and administration officers in raiding Gurusalal River valley in Kabiyet location of Eldama Ravine where they recovered close to 1500 litres of illicit brew and the brewing paraphernalia.
Recovered were 1190 litres of kangara, 50 litres of chang’aa, 120 litres of molasses, two boiling drums, distillation pipes, coils, three bags of firewood and two rolls of bhang on one Kiplimo Kiplagat.
“The team destroyed the brew and the brewing equipment on site and arrested the said Kiplimo,” said the DCC.
Illicit brew has remained a big challenge to the security and national government administration in Koibatek over the years with leaders calling on concerted efforts to end the menace.
By Christopher Kiprop
