Six individuals in Kangai village, Kirinyaga County lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor, while five others experienced temporary blindness.
While confirming the incident, Mwea East DCC Teresiah Mwangi reported that the incident unfolded at a local bar, adding that efforts to help the victims proved futile.
The five individuals succumbed at home, while the sixth passed away at Kerugoya Referal Hospital.
Symptoms exhibited by the victims were, blurred vision that echoed previous cases of ethanol consumption, as highlighted by George Karoki, the County Executive Committee member for health.
“The symptoms and signs observed in these patients indicate blurred vision and impaired sight,” he noted, underlining the severity of the situation.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has urged the public to exercise caution, emphasizing the effects of consuming unverified alcohol.
“Preliminary reports suggest that the deaths resulted from the consumption of an unidentified substance,” remarked Nacada’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, sounding the alarm on the looming danger.
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Kirinyaga Residents on the Alcohol Selling Shop
After news of the tragedy, angry Kangai villagers raided and torched the bar linked to the deaths.
Amidst the anguish and outcry from residents, they called for urgent government intervention to rid the communities of illicit alcohol and prevent further devastation.
However, this calamity is not an isolated incident.
In May 2023, Kirinyaga faced another tragedy when two individuals lost their eyesight after consuming illicit liquor.
The persistence of such incidents underscores the formidable challenges in curbing illicit brew consumption, despite concerted efforts and initiatives led by Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
Recently, during a meeting with Nyandarua County MCAs, Gachagua reiterated the imperative of robust legal measures.
“We must establish proper legal frameworks to combat the menace of illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse,” he asserted firmly.
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Deputy President’s Effort to Fight Alcohol Consumption
Furthermore, Gachagua’s commendation of the enactment of the Nyandarua County Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2023, alongside Governor Kiare Badilisha, affirms his dedication to addressing the issue at its roots.
Despite recent setbacks, the second in command remains resolute, expressing gratitude to Kenyans for their support and emphasizing progress in the ongoing battle.
As his initiatives persist, the need for comprehensive strategies to confront this persistent threat looms large, underscoring the urgency of concerted action to safeguard communities from the scourge of illicit brew consumption.
