A scandal has rocked the Kiamaciri police station in Kirinyaga County after reports emerged that some of the officers sold an illicit brew exhibit to a local bar owner, who then sold it to unsuspecting consumers, leading to 17 deaths and several cases of blindness.
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According to a source who spoke to Citizen Digital1, the killer brew had been stored at the station for two days before four rogue officers sold it out on Sunday night for Ksh. 20,000. The source said each officer pocketed Ksh. 5,000 from the deal.
The bar owner, who operates the California bar at Kangai village, then distributed the brew to his customers, who started developing complications such as loss of sight, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Six people died on the spot, while 11 others succumbed later at various hospitals.
The victims’ families have accused the local administration of laxity and negligence, saying the bar had been operating illegally despite the county government’s directive to close all unlicensed bars. They have also demanded justice for their loved ones and compensation from the government.
Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango has called for the transfer and prosecution of the four officers involved in the scandal, saying they have tarnished the image of the police service and betrayed the public trust. He also questioned the role of the Mwea-west sub-county police commander Mbatian Kantai in allowing the illegal trade to occur.
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On Friday, the government recalled all senior officers in Kirinyaga County following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s order. Speaking in Kutus, Gachagua blamed the Kirinyaga County Commissioner Nayoima Tobiko, Police commander Reuben Muli, CIC, Mwea West AP and police commander and Mwea West Deputy County Commissioner for failing to protect the lives of the residents.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety and quality of the illicit brews that are widely consumed in the county, especially among the low-income earners. Kirinyaga Health CEC George Karoki said the brew that killed 17 people contained ethanol, a highly toxic substance that can damage the nervous system and cause liver cirrhosis.
He urged the public to avoid consuming such brews and report any suspicious outlets to the authorities. He also said the county government will intensify the crackdown on illicit brews and enhance public awareness on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
