The County Government of Kirinyaga has intensified its crackdown on illicit alcohol following an incident on Tuesday whereby two people were allegedly taken ill after allegedly consuming alcohol in Marura, Kangai Ward in Mwea.
The two men were initially treated at Njegas Health Centre then referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for further examination.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture and Social Services, Dennis Musyimi, under whose docket alcohol regulation and control lies, confirmed that the patients are in stable condition and dismissed earlier reports that they had gone blind.
“The allegations that the patients have gone blind have been confirmed as false by the doctor. They were examined, found in stable condition and have been taken to Kerugoya Referral hospital for further examination,” said Musyimi.
In response, the County Government has launched investigations in the Kangai area to identify the source of the illicit brew and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“The Mwea West Sub-county Security Team, in collaboration with county officials, has commenced investigations. We are tracking where the alcohol is being brewed and sold, and updates will be provided as action is taken,” Musyimi added.
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, Musyimi said that the County Government has intensified enforcement of the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2024. This includes a comprehensive inspection of bars and other outlets to ensure compliance with licensing regulations, public health standards, and location guidelines such as proximity to schools.
“We are urging all bar owners to continue applying for and renewing their licenses. Vetting is ongoing, and enforcement teams are conducting regular impromptu visits to ensure compliance,” he said.
He warned bar owners against operating without valid licenses and emphasized that compliance with the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2024 is not optional.
“We have intensified operations against non-compliant outlets. The window for renewing alcoholic drinks outlet licenses is over and anyone caught selling alcohol without a license will be taken to court and prosecuted,” he said.
As part of the strategy to curb the menace, the County has also been holding weekly review meetings, collecting and testing samples of alcoholic drinks to ensure quality and safety for consumers.
“We have been holding weekly meetings to review alcohol-related matters. Samples of alcoholic drinks are collected regularly for safety checks, and impromptu visits to outlets are ongoing to ensure they meet county standards,” he said.
The CECM assured residents that the County government remains committed to eliminating illicit alcohol and safeguarding public health.
While signing the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act last year, Governor Anne Waiguru stated that the act sought to protect the public from the dangers of consumption of illicit and substandard alcohol and provided for the formation of a Multiagency Sub County Alcoholic Drinks Control Committee that draws membership from the national and county governments among other stakeholders.
On his part, the Chairman of the County Liquor Board, Maina Kihia said that anyone found to be selling illicit alcohol will have their licenses revoked.