Kirinyaga MCAs want cheap liquor banned

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Kirinyaga MCAs have moved to prohibit the sale and distribution of cheap second-generation alcoholic drinks as leaders intensify efforts to curb deaths, blindness and growing social problems linked to illicit liquor.

The county assembly adopted a motion seeking to outlaw the highly potent and unregulated drinks that leaders say have caused deaths, serious health complications and social distress in several parts of the county.

The motion was introduced by nominated MCA Irene Gathuku, who said the decision was necessary to shield residents from the deadly effects of the illicit brew that continues to circulate in communities.

Gathuku said the urgency of the matter was underscored by the devastating effects of the drinks on the community, highlighting a tragedy in Kangai ward in Mwea that claimed at least 17 people and left scores blind after they consumed adulterated liquor.

She described the widespread sale of second-generation alcohol as a major public health issue that should be tackled by all government agencies.

“These drinks are made using ethanol and other harmful chemicals. They are not safe for human consumption and they are slowly killing our people,” she said.

The MCA said the cheap brews have also caused strife in many households as men abandon productive work to spend their days drinking, abdicating their duties to their wives.

“Our young generation is slowly becoming unproductive in the community because of this alcohol. If we fail to act now, we risk losing an entire generation,” she said.

Traders involved in the harmful trade, she said, should seek alternative sources of income to reprieve locals.

Nominated MCA Lucy Njeri backed the motion, saying leaders have a responsibility to protect residents from harmful and unsafe products.

Njeri questioned how illicit and counterfeit alcohol continuously floods local shelves despite the presence of institutions tasked with regulating the sector.

“Why is it that this alcohol is everywhere in Kirinyaga? There is a County Policing Authority that should oversee such matters,” she said.

The authority has now been given 14 days to present a report to the county assembly detailing the gaps that have allowed the illegal alcohol trade to thrive, to allow for measures to be put in place to seal the loopholes.

Njeri also urged the County Liquor Licensing Board to be more cautious when issuing licences to alcohol traders to ensure only those dealing in legitimate and regulated products are allowed to operate.

She also called on Nacada to strengthen its enforcement activities at the grassroots level to stem alcoholism and treat those already addicted to it.

Njeri further proposed the formation of a multi-agency taskforce bringing together security agencies, regulators and county officials to help curb the manufacture, transportation and sale of second-generation alcohol.

Daniel Kibanya, a resident, welcomed the move, saying the cheap drinks have had devastating effects on families, and praising county leaders for taking action.

“This is a very good move by our leaders. These cheap alcohol drinks have destroyed many families and banning them will help reduce alcohol consumption,” he said.

He called on the authorities to ensure operating hours for bars are strictly observed to discourage daytime drinking, allowing revellers to engage in productive activities.

“Some outlets open as early as 8am, and that encourages people to start drinking early,” he said.

The county government has previously implemented measures to deal with the challenge, including temporarily closing bars and conducting fresh vetting of liquor outlets, following deaths linked to toxic brews.