Makers and sellers of illicit brews in Murang'a should close shop and venture into legitimate businesses because the fight against the trade is unstoppable.
That is the stern warning Murang’a Woman Rep Betty Maina and Senator Joe Nyutu issued as administrators and members of the public reeled in shock after the death toll from bootleg liquor rose in neighbouring Kirinyaga county.
At least 10 people were confirmed dead while five lost their eyesight after drinking suspected adulterated alcohol.
Speaking at Ithiru, Kandara constituency on Wednesday during distribution of avocado seedlings, Maina said alcoholism is detrimental to the growth and development of any society, adding that it was paramount for all stakeholders to join in the fight.
“Murang’a women will fight illicit brews to the end because it is unacceptable for our young men, women and even the elderly to die from consuming the illicit brews as the sellers and manufacturers thrive through this trade,” she said.
“We are tired of burying our sons and what happened in neighbouring Kirinyaga county must not be replicated here.”
Maina thanked the local administration and the police for the spirited fight they have continuously mounted by arresting illicit brews traders.
The woman rep issued 15 water tanks to 15 public institutions and gifted over 1,000 elderly men and women blankets and food.
Senator Nyutu called on liquor licensing authorities to get tough as some brews contained harmful substances and should not be in the market.
“We must save our generation and we join Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in this fight and declare that manufacturers and traders of illicit brews in Mt Kenya region will be brought to book,” he said.
“Stringent measures must be put in place as we will not allow killer brews in this region.”
At the same time, Kenya Revenue Authority chairperson Anthony Mwaura said the economy cannot be developed with proceeds from illicit brews.
“Stop collecting bribes to allow illicit brews trade to go on. Together we can save our generation, and the local administration must be on the lookout for these illicit brews and substance dealers,” he said.
Mwaura also called on parents to encourage their children to pursue education to secure their future and seize numerous opportunities available globally.
“Education is an equaliser and a game changer in today’s ever competitive world, so allow your children to go to school so that they will uplift society. No child should be home harvesting avocados or carrying out activities that are not related to their school work,” he said.
