Leaders say illegal alcohol drive successful, call for extension

NYERI: Leaders have praised President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaign against illicit liquor with some calling for an extension of the crackdown.

Central Kenya MPs asked the President to extend the ongoing campaign in his backyard by a month, even as businessmen complained about destruction of genuine investments.

The legislators yesterday said following the successful fight against the second generation brews within the four-day period given by the President for the crackdown, he should allow MPs more time to fight the menace.

During a press conference at Parliament Buildings, the leaders under the Central Kenya Parliamentary Group termed the fight in the region a major success.

“These brews have caused mass suicide among our youth. A study from the University of Nairobi shows that 40 per cent of the region’s labour force is not active,” said the group’s patron Kiraitu Murungi.

Speaking separately, Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando said the momentum created in the fight must not be slowed, urging residents from the region to support leaders in this campaign.

“Not since Mau Mau time has Central Kenya community been this united against a common enemy. President Uhuru Kenyatta has our fanatical support to salvage an endangered community,” said Kabando.

In Gilgil, the security team and the public confiscated “second generation liquor” from the house of a senior Nakuru County government officer. Senior security officers led by Gilgil sub-county commissioner Kamau Karungo supervised the operation at night.

Area MP Nderitu Mathenge praised the public vowing the exercise would go on despite the lapse of the 96 hours given by the Head of State.

And in Naivasha, efforts by youths to raid the Keroche Breweries were thwarted after they were blocked from accessing the facility. The visit came hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery directed Government officers to inspect the factory.

Speaking on phone, the company’s CEO Tabitha Karanja said they had nothing to hide and were ready for inspection.

A crackdown by Nyahururu MP Wachira Karani, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) Vice Chairperson (Laikipia branch) Irene Wachuka, among other officers reportedly yielded 50,000 cartons of illicit brew which were destroyed.

This came as four men believed to be alcohol addicts were reportedly hospitalised in critical condition after exhibiting withdrawal symptoms in Nyahururu town.

A drunkard spotted staggering by said: “The Government should consider us and come up with a better solution other than eradicating all spirits.”

In Samburu County, MYWO county officials joined the crackdown. The organisation’s chairperson Ann Lenturkan thanked President Kenyatta for the directive saying it would see young lives changed in the county.