In a bold move to combat the deadly scourge of illicit alcohol, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has ordered the immediate closure of all liquor outlets in the county.

This drastic action comes on the heels of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 17 residents after consuming tainted brew laced with ethanol.

Governor Waiguru announced the closure during the mass burial ceremony for the victims, vowing to leave no stone unturned in eradicating the menace.

The tragedy unfolded in the villages of Kangai and Kandongu, where the contaminated brew claimed lives and left others blinded.

Determined to prevent future incidents, Governor Waiguru has implemented a multi-pronged approach:

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“I have today ordered the closure of all bars in Kirinyaga to pave way for fresh vetting, those bars that will be found to have been operating without license or had previous cases of selling unauthorized products will not be allowed to open again,” Waiguru stated.

1. Fresh Vetting for Liquor Outlets: "Those bars that will be found to have been operating without license or had previous cases of selling unauthorized products will not be allowed to open again," stated Governor Waiguru. This rigorous vetting process aims to weed out illegal operations and ensure responsible alcohol sales.

2. Law Enforcement Collaboration: Recognizing the crucial role of authorities, Governor Waiguru called on law enforcement agencies to "enforce the closure order so as to get rid of illicit brews from towns and villages ravaged by the menace." This collaboration is essential for eradicating the presence of illicit brews within the county.

3. Ultimatum for County Employees: According to Waiguru, some 11 staff from the County Government were operating bars. To eliminate potential conflicts of interest, she issued a stern warning: "They must make a choice of venturing into business or retaining their employment." This decisive action aims to ensure impartiality in liquor regulation enforcement.

Governor Waiguru also addressed challenges faced in regulating the industry. She accused the Kirinyaga Bar Owners Association of using courts to frustrate her effort to regulate sale of alcohol.

However, she remains undeterred, declaring, "I will not be threatened or blackmailed in my effort to stop sale, distribution and manufacture of illicit brews."

The Governor's resolve stems from the tragic consequences witnessed firsthand.

"Their remains, in front of us, radiate the full horror of alcoholism and the ferocity of greed among the merchants of death who manufactured and distributed the killer drink," she stated emotionally during the mass burial ceremony.

"We must not allow this to happen again."

Recognizing the pervasiveness of the issue, Governor Waiguru highlighted the concerning practice of disguising illicit brews.

"Unscrupulous traders are packaging third-generation brew into bottles belonging to popular brands and using fake KRA and KEBS stamps to get their products into the shelves," she revealed.

To combat this, a multi-pronged approach is being implemented:

1. Stricter Regulations: The Kirinyaga administration plans to tighten regulatory check on manufacturers, distributors and sellers of alcoholic beverages to avert more deaths in future.

These stricter regulations aim to curb the production and distribution of illicit brews.

2. Public Awareness Campaign: "Fichua Pombe Haramu," an initiative encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities through a toll-free hotline and SMS number, has been launched.

This campaign aims to empower communities to actively participate in eradicating the menace.

“We have introduced a toll-free line 0800721812 and SMS number 0759674392 that you can use to give us information on suspicious cases of illicit alcohol brewing and sale in your area,” the Governor said.

Governor Waiguru sent a powerful message: "Sale and distribution of illicit brews...poses a serious health risk to our people. Kirinyaga will be the county that will show an example that we will not tolerate sale of illicit brews and drugs."

With the closure of all liquor outlets, a renewed vetting process, stricter regulations, and a public awareness campaign, Kirinyaga County has embarked on a determined path to tackle the deadly issue of illicit brew. Whether this bold approach will succeed remains to be seen, but it serves as a powerful statement of intent and a beacon of hope for a safer future.