By Alex
NAIROBI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered a nationwide crackdown on all village bars across the country in response to the tragic deaths of over 13 individuals in Kirinyaga who died after consuming illicit brew.
During a press briefing on Friday, Kindiki issued a directive to county commissioners and law enforcement agencies nationwide, instructing them to promptly close outlets engaged in the sale of illicit brew.
"I have directed the relevant officials to close all outlets that are selling alcohol in the villages because there are people who have set up alcoholic dens where they are brewing and selling illicit liquor," Kindiki said.
He added that the government would not tolerate any form of illegal alcohol production or consumption, which he said posed a serious threat to public health and security.
Kindiki's order came after 13 people died and several others were hospitalized in Kirinyaga County, central Kenya, after drinking a local brew known as "chang'aa" that was laced with methanol, a toxic substance used as an antifreeze or fuel.
The victims, who were mostly casual laborers, had consumed the brew at a local bar on Wednesday night and started developing symptoms such as blurred vision, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Some of them died on the spot, while others succumbed to their condition at various health facilities where they were rushed for treatment.
The police have arrested the owner of the bar and several other suspects in connection with the incident, and have also seized several containers of the illicit brew.
The incident has sparked outrage and grief among the residents of Kirinyaga, who have called for swift action against the perpetrators and stricter regulation of alcohol sales in the area.
"This is a very sad and unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if the authorities had been vigilant and proactive in clamping down on the illegal alcohol business," said John Mwangi, a local resident who lost his brother in the incident.
He urged the government to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice and that the victims' families are compensated for their loss.
The incident has also raised concerns over the quality and safety of alcohol products in the country, especially in rural areas where regulation and enforcement are weak.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths in Africa, with an estimated 4.1 million people suffering from alcohol use disorders.
The WHO also estimates that about 25 percent of the alcohol consumed in Kenya is unrecorded, meaning that it is either produced informally or smuggled into the country.
The government has been trying to curb the problem of illicit alcohol by imposing higher taxes, banning the sale of alcohol in sachets, and conducting periodic raids on illegal distilleries and bars.
However, these measures have not been very effective, as many people still resort to cheap and unregulated alcohol products, which are often adulterated with harmful substances to increase their potency and shelf life.
The government has also faced resistance from some politicians and communities who view the illicit alcohol trade as a source of income and a cultural practice.
Kindiki said that the government would intensify its efforts to eradicate the illicit alcohol menace and ensure that only licensed and quality products are sold in the market.
He also appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities or outlets to the authorities and to avoid consuming alcohol products that are not properly labeled or certified.
"We are determined to protect the lives and health of our citizens from the dangers of illicit alcohol. We urge the public to cooperate with us in this fight and to be responsible and cautious in their alcohol consumption," he said.
