- In the judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Abigail Mshila said muratina is a fabric of the Kikuyu culture and is not prohibited by any law.
- He opined that instead, the worry expressed over the same should be focused to illicit brews and substances which have left behind a trail of losses of lives.
Image: FILE
Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has joined Kenyans in reacting to Kiambu High Court's declaration that the traditional Kikuyu brew popularly known as "muratina", is not illicit.
In a statement seemingly welcoming the judgment, Kabando said the brew is not only customary but also medicinal, adding that it should not subject to the state's scrutiny.
"Muratina is customary, herbal, fruity, medicinal - to be made under tight supervision, consumed in moderation and self-regulated," he said.
He opined that instead, the worry expressed over the same should be focused on illicit brew and substances which have left behind a trail of losses of lives.
The former lawmaker blamed their manufacturing and selling on some corrupt Kenyans.
"Big Problem is alcoholism, illicit brew, narcotics. Poisonous brews killing our people are made/peddled by our very own greedy corrupt "smooth" guys," he said.
In Kirinyaga county, some 20 people died after consuming illicit alcohol.
Others suffered severe consequences including loss of vision, due to the consumption of suspected expired alcohol with a dangerously high ethanol content.
In the judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Abigail Mshila said muratina is a fabric of the Kikuyu culture and is not prohibited by any law.
"The importance of muratina in day-to-day functions and celebrations of the Agikuyu people cannot be overemphasised. It forms the heart of the cultural fabric of the Agikuyu traditions," she said.
Following the declaration, Judge Mshila ordered the Kikuyu Council of Elders to regulate the process.
"The court orders the Kiama Kia Ma with the assistance of the local Chiefs to continue to regulate the preparation and consumption of muratina without prejudice and existing laws," Mshila ruled.
This challenged the decision of administrative officers in Ndeiya Sub-County who had closed down the business premises of a number of muratina brewers on allegation of operating against the regulation framework.
Muratina is used in traditional ceremonies under the Kikuyu culture including dowries (ruracio), circumcision ceremonies (irua), initiation to Kiama Kia Ma, reconciliation of family members, praying for rain, blessing of children and blessing of land.