Joint mass held in Embu for 14 victims of lethal brew

Democratic Party presidential aspirant Mutava Musyimi yesterday attended a joint requiem mass for the 11 out of the 14 deceased victims of a lethal brew in Mbeere South District and censured the government for not doing enough in the fight the killer illicit drinks . Other leaders also included Siakago Member of Parliament Lenny Kivuti, Maendeleo ya Wanaume organisation chairman Nderitu Njoka Anglican

Church of Kenya Bishop Moses Masamba and former Democratic Republic of Congo ambassador Sylvester Gakumu called for decisive action to be taken against the brews. They at the same time blamed the abrupt and unplanned for cash, which the area residents are getting from miraa for the drinking vice, which they claimed was finishing the Mbeere community despite already being an endangered community owing to its small population.

Musyimi said he has always been disturbed when he go to the constituency and while passing at Muraru to find that the youth there are already drank by as early as 2am. He wondered what has been happening and why the alcoholic drinks control act (popularly known as Mututho law is not enforced in the area.

Musyim said he has consulted the Nacada who have agreed to open an office in Mbeere to ensure that the illicit brews are eradicated once and for all. He at the same time blamed the drinking habit on the abrupt and uncontrolled cash from Miraa trade which is doing very well and enabling millions of shillings circulate in the area.

“Last time during elections you prevented me from talking on miraa but other issues like water, power, roads amongst others. But today let me be frank with you and tell you that something about the miraa and the drinks should be done,” he said emotionally. He said important programmers to cushion the youth from irresponsible drinking and illicit drink taking place should be carried out suggesting that leaders should meet urgently and deliberate on the issue.

Kivuti led the residents in coming up with a declaration that the people should scream on top of their voices at anybody who will be found selling the illicit drinks in the area. Dr kumantha said his investigations he had had found that the warrior is made of sugar, and yeast mixed together and brewed.

To make them brew faster CAN fertilizer is added. He said the fertilizer produces a very dangerous chemical called methanol which causes complications in the body leading to blindness and death. He suggested that the Kenya bureau of standard should regularly monitor and test the products they have approved because some of them could ne defiled after they are tested and found to be good.

Dr Njagih who is an expert on alcohol and drugs addiction prevention and treatment said the government should ensure chiefs who are in the villages enforce the Mututho law to the letter . The deceased persons included Peterson Kariuki, Kenneth Mwangi, Patrick Mbui, Gilbert Gitonga, Shadrack Mutembei (33) Japhet Mwaniki, James Muriithi, Johnson Muchangi, David Njeru, Augustine Nyagah, Peterson Kariuki, Mary Muthoni Boniface Mbogo and Ernest Njeru. Other three victims were taken to Kianjokoma, Meru and Kawanjara instead of being brought for the mass at Mararu,