An administrator from Taita Taveta County was attacked by a python during an operation in the ongoing government crackdown on illicit brews.
According to the Assistant Chief of Sagasa Sub-Location, Taita Taveta County, she survived death by a whisker after encountering the reptile as she led raids on traditional brew dens at night.
Chief Vigilance Kiongo while speaking to the press on March 14, 2024, added that the reptile disappeared to a nearby bush after she screamed.
“I froze when I encountered the python and screamed for help and the reptile disappeared into the nearby bush,” said Kiongo yesterday.
According to the chief, the operation was conducted at night because most local brewers prefer to operate under the cover of darkness to avoid arrest.
The administrator however added that presence of marauding wild animals and like pythons had made it difficult to conduct security operations during the night.
Python threat
Chief Kiongo told the press that she has since petitioned the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to relocate the reptiles which pose a security threat to both residents and livestock in the area.
“Residents are living in fear following the invasion of the python that slithers from the hills in search of food. It has imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew in some areas,” said the chief.
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The chief further vowed to intensify the war against illicit brews and other drugs despite the challenges.
On the other hand, Taita Sub-County Police Commander Onesmus Kombe said the war had gone a notch higher, adding that they have so far impounded brews and arrested dozens of brewers.
His remarks came following the declaration by the government that it would intensify the fight against illicit brews around the country.
Mnazi brew
Meanwhile, there was uproar in the Coastal Region over crackdown on traders of the palm wine brew, popularly known as mnazi.
Residents of Kilifi County raised their concerns against the ongoing crackdown on the popular local brew, saying it is natural wine and not illicit alcohol.
The residents claimed that the brew contains no additives as it is naturally tapped from the coconut tree.
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Led by Kilifi Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire, the residents called on the government to whitelist the drink.
The residents condemned its classification as illicit describing it as an insult to the local community. They said the brew has various social and cultural uses among the Mijikenda community.
“I would like to caution the national government and especially Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to slow down and learn more about mnazi before including it among illicit brews,” said Mwambire.
The speaker further added that he would not sit back and watch mnazi sellers and users being harassed by law enforcement officers.
He urged the government to hold talks with local leaders to enlighten them on the importance of mnazi in Mijikenda culture.
