Chief slashed by suspect during illicit brew crackdown

An assistant chief is nursing injuries after he was attacked by a suspected illicit alcohol brewer in Elgeyo Marakwet yesterday.

Metipsoo Assistant Chief Ezekiel Kibor was slashed on the head with a machete during the morning crackdown on illicit brews.

Mr Kibor was rushed to Kapsowar Mission Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Kibor said he found the suspect in the company of his wife and some customers.

“I went to the brewer’s house at around 6 am after I got reports that he had chased away a village elder who had gone to warn him about his illicit trade,” said Kibor.

“In the house, I found him brewing the liqour. It is when he attacked me with a machete.”

Kibor explained that when he tried to snatch the machete from the assailant, in a battle to save his life, someone else came from behind and hit him. 

The assistant chief said his assailant is notorious in the area for brewing illicit liqour.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Ahmed Omar said police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“Police officers are in hot pursuit of the suspect and his accomplice believed to be his brother,” said Mr Omar.

“We know the suspects and we will be arresting them soon.”

He said it was wrong for Kibor to go to the brewer’s house without seeking police protection.

He urged all government officials to be accompanied by police during such crackdowns.