Over 500 people arrested in heightened fight against illicit brew

Approximately 583 suspects have been arrested in Murang’a county during an intensive crackdown to eradicate illicit brews that was launched by a multi-agency team two weeks ago.

The operation has seen thousands of litres of illicit brews, second generation liquor and ethanol confiscated.

According to Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha (pictured) 270 cases have already been concluded and the rest are waiting for results of the samples from the government chemist.
The commissioner said the multi-agency team comprised of security agents, officers from KRA, KEBS and anti-counterfeit agency.

“There was a directive from the national government that we should step up the fight against alcoholism and thus we launched the Rapid Result Initiative” said the commissioner.

Further, Nkanatha said the suspects whose cases have been concluded in the courts have paid fines amounting to Sh7,199,000.

The commissioner said the fight is far from over adding that they will move to every corner of the county and ensure they flush out both the manufactures and sellers of the illicit liquor.

“This is a war we cannot afford to lose and we will do our best to ensure we fight the menace” said the commissioner.

In addition, 94 kilograms of bhang and 956 rolls have also been nabbed in the operation with the administrator revealing that one of the peddlers has gone to an extent of branding the illegal substance.
Nkanatha said the crackdown will continue for another two weeks adding that they have better leads to help them to get to all those involved in the illegal business.

“We also noticed that liquor in being brought in from other counties and we will be having roadblock at various points to check on the vehicles getting in Murang’a county,” he added.

The commissioner said the security team will have meeting with the county government and the liquor licensing board to discuss on the issuance of licensing to the bars.

“We don’t to have any bars in the villages because this is one of the major setback we are having in this fight,” he added.