A multi-agency team has launched a crackdown on illicit brew operations in Isiolo County following the death of seven people who died after consuming poisonous brew.
In the process aimed at auditing liquor operators, 56 wines and spirits outlet joints were shut down
Speaking to the press on Thursday, September 22, 2022, Isiolo North OCPD Collins Sainna pointed out that the fatal liquor was contraband formulated from the original brands.
While urging members of the public to cooperate with security agencies so as to combat the menace, Sainna announced that one person lost his vision yesterday, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, after he consumed one of the illicit brews.
“So far we have recovered 9 cartons of the killer brew, we are worried that 19 cartons are still in our liquor markets endangering the lives of 600 people since each carton contains 20 bottles of the liquor,” Sainna stated.
He added: “We urge members of the public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the remaining cartons get to the hands of the police to avoid fatalities resulting from the consumption of the drug in question,”
Sainna acknowledged that the cartons were recovered following a tip-off from the members of the public.
The police boss noted that the sale of illicit brews in the area was facilitated by the fact that residents in remote areas were incapable of distinguishing the original drinks from the contrabands.
The original brand goes for about Ksh 3000 per carton while the contrabands are retailing at Ksh1800 per carton.
“Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the syndicate and are helping with the investigations,” Sainna added.
The OCPD assured residents that the authorities were fighting tooth and nail to determine the origin of the killer brew so as to stop its production.
He however noted that their efforts have been weighed down by a lack of existing Laws calling on Members of the Isiolo county Assembly to fast-track the passing of the Alcohol Control Bill to help them enforce the fight against illicit selling and manufacture of alcohol.
“Non-existence of Alcohol Control Law is responsible for the fast mushrooming wines and spirit shops which are not licences,” the OCPD added.
He insisted that the multi-agency team will ensure that all the liquor outlets are properly licenced and purchase products from the right manufacturers to ensure the safety of the public.
According to the police boss, the Multi-agency team is operating from the back of the Executive order from former President Uhuru Kenyatta in dealing with illegally manufactured products.
He expressed that he was hopeful that President William Ruto will carry on with the fight.
