•Muchiri however advised residents against brewing muratina for commercial interest saying it will interfere with the government efforts to combat illicit brews
•In a judgment issued by High Court Judge Abigail Mshila, she said the brew was not illicit and could be prepared as part of the Kikuyu’s culture and traditions
Kiambu County commander Michael Muchiri has commended the decision by the court that muratina is not an illicit drink.
Speaking on Saturday, Muchiri emphasized that, as government officials, they will respect the court's decision.
However, he cautioned residents against producing muratina for commercial purposes, citing potential disruptions to government efforts in combating illicit brews."
"We must agree with the court’s decision, there is no doubt on that but our plea as government officers is that it should not be taken as an opportunity to brew for commercial purposes," Muchiri said.
The County commander acknowledged that muratina is a drink used in traditional functions and celebrations.
"We request that people should not use this opportunity to brew muratina for commercial purposes because that will hinder our effort to fight illicit brew," he added.
A Kiambu Court on Friday declared that the popular Kikuyu brew, known as muratina, is not an illicit drink.
In a judgment issued by High Court Judge Abigail Mshila, she said the brew was not illicit and could be prepared as part of the Kikuyu’s culture and traditions.
She however 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.
The court's ruling emerged from a petition submitted by 12 Ndeiya Traditional Brewers, who sought redress due to the infringement of their rights by the Kiambu County commander, county commissioner, Ndeiya Sub County OCPD, and the area deputy county commissioner.
The brewers informed the court that these administrative officers had subjected them to harassment and legal action, even though they possessed the necessary permission to engage in traditional brew preparation.
They clarified that their authorization was specifically for brewing muratina for traditional ceremonies, not for commercial purposes.
Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando 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.