Once again, uncertified alcohol has claimed the lives of Kenyans.
The death toll in the Kirinyaga killer brew tragedy stands at 13, and more could succumb.
Politicians, the police and national and county government officials will climb on rooftops and declare how they will crack down on the brewers.
This will be followed by cosmetic arrests, suspects will appear in court but before you blink they will be out on bond and continue doing what they know best.
Manufacturing of illicit brews is run by powerful cartels and the retailers are just minor players.
Importers and distillers of ethanol, the police, provincial, administration, county officials and, to some extent, the Judiciary are players.
Kenya's ethanol production mainly targets industrial users but it often ends up in the hands of killer brewers.
Does any state body seriously monitor ethanol manufacturing and sale?
The police and provincial administration are known to daily collect protection fees at the sale points and only act when deaths occur.
County Liquor Licensing Boards dish out licences with little care of whatever is stocked.
Is it time we packaged some of Kenya's traditional brews as a commercial venture to get rid of the illegal breweries?
Uganda has Waragi while Tanzania has Konyagi, both bottled under licence and hence meet set standards. Cases of alcohol deaths are minimal.
Busaa, muratina, kalovo and traditionally brewed chang'aa rarely kill. Why not commercially produce them to cater for the low-end alcohol market and stem deaths from the illegal killer brews?
Quote of the Day: “Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.”
Bertolt Brecht
The German poet and playwright was born on February 10, 1898
