Illicit brew crackdown: 189 arrested, 203 liquor outlets closed in Homa Bay

Security officials in Homa Bay have closed down 203 alcohol outlets which they termed non-compliant and arrested 189 people linked to promoting the business.

According to officials, the outlets include bars and clubs which sell alcohol and dens which produce illicit brew across the county.

The security officials have also confiscated various illicit alcoholic drinks in the raids they have conducted in the last 20 days.

Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan said the arrested persons are linked with abetting consumption of the illicit brew.

Lilan revealed this during his tour of Rachuonyo North, Rachuonyo South, Rachuonyo East and Rangwe subcounties to inspect and monitor government activities.

“The war on illicit brews must be won as a team in Homa Bay. The government has all the machinery needed to subdue it,” Lilan said.

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with security officials in Rangwe subcounty headquarters, Lilan said they will not relent in the fight against illicit brews in the area.

He was accompanied by the county police commander Samson Kinne.

The administrator said he had organised a multi-sectoral approach between chiefs, assistant chiefs and police to ensure seamless operations in combating the vice.

“We are fighting this war through concerted efforts of our security apparatus to end the illicit brews in our county,” he added.

Lilan said every officer who violates the directive is likely to lose their job.

“I want all our officers to uphold their integrity by standing firmly against the brews. At least 99 per cent of our officers are of integrity,” Lilan said.

He said their objective is to establish illicit brew-free sub-locations to help weed out the production and consumption of the brews in the county.

He told residents to shun alcohol since it is a recipe for crime and lack of development.

“Excessive use of alcohol is an enemy of economic development. It also encourages crime in society hence residents should desist from alcohol,” he added