Health practitioners call for strict laws to curb illicit brews

Brown Ashira Secretary General and CEO Kenya Environmental and Public Health Practitioners Union. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU) has called for comprehensive measures by the government aimed at curbing the consumption of illicit brews in Kenya.

In a circular, the Union expressed the need to have strict laws and deterrent fines that will ensure the complete eradication of illicit brew consumption in the country.

"We urge the law enforcement agencies and licensing teams established by various county Governments to ensure stringent compliance with these Laws. The Court system is called upon to issue deterrent fines to offenders contravening the provisions of these laws to completely eradicate and discourage illicit brew consumption," read a statement.

Further, the Union urged members of the public to exercise vigilance and caution while purchasing and consuming alcoholic drinks; desisting from excessive consumption of alcohol.

Their statement comes days after several members of Kangai village, Kirinyaga County lost their lives after consuming illicit brew.

As of yesterday, 23 people were declared dead and 20 others went blind.

The bar owner on the other hand was arraigned in court and is to be detained for 20 days for police to conclude investigations.

He is being held at the Kiamaciri Police Station and the case will be mentioned on March 7, 2024.