Narok villagers raid chang’aa dens, accuse police of taking bribes

More than 500 angry residents stormed the homes of suspected illegal alcohol brewers at Olpukoti village in Melelo, Narok county, accusing them of destroying the youth and enjoying protection from corrupt government officers.

The operation, carried out by residents armed with canes, saw brewing equipment dragged out from thickets and destroyed. Some suspects were forced to surrender and sign public declarations renouncing the illegal trade.

At the same time, those who resisted were reportedly roughed up, including one woman who fainted after being beaten by the mob and was later rushed to the hospital on a motorbike.

"These illicit brews have destroyed our young men. I lost my brother to these brews after he had consumed them for years," John Membe said.

“We will now punish anyone found brewing this alcohol and even deal with any police officer collecting bribes to protect them,” a resident said.

At the centre of community outrage is the loss of 21 young lives in recent months, allegedly due to the consumption of the deadly liquor.

“We buried another young man just recently. It’s devastating,” said Nditiang Chepurkel, the village elder of Kimorgor, adding, “We’ve tried working with chiefs to fight this menace, but now the people have decided to rise up and help. We cannot keep watching our sons die.”

From afar, the homesteads involved look normal, giving no clue of the deadly trade within.

However, worn-out distilling drums and makeshift cooking pots offer a silent testimony to the brewing activities hidden behind quiet fences.

Residents said the vice has not only led to deaths, but also to the breakdown of family structures.

"Miraa chewing, illicit brew, and constant noise have made young men irresponsible. Homes are breaking," said Richard Kiswaa a village elder at Kimogoro.

There is rising frustration with police being accused of turning a blind eye despite numerous reports about the illegal activities. Some residents even claimed certain officers were benefitting from the trade through bribes.

The violent incident has sparked debate on the legality and risks of mob justice, but residents insist the crackdown is their last resort in the absence of decisive government action.

Authorities are yet to comment officially on the matter.