State House Head of Special Projects and Programmes Dennis Itumbi at Kimunye in Kirinyaga County on September 14, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERAState House Head of Special Projects and Programmes Dennis Itumbi has declared a fresh war on illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga.
Itumbi warned traders dealing in dangerous brews that they will soon face the full force of the law.
The campaign will be driven by the Kirinyaga We Want initiative and bring together religious leaders, national government administrators and security agencies to confront the manufacture, distribution and consumption of illicit liquor.
Speaking at Kimunye during a community engagement forum, Itumbi explained that residents taking part in consultations on the future of Kirinyaga have repeatedly identified alcohol and substance abuse as a major threat to young people and families.
He maintained that the initiative will focus on protecting the generation expected to benefit from the development agenda being proposed by residents.
“We are declaring that The Kirinyaga We Want is going to engage in a full-blown war against illicit brews in Kirinyaga. We must save the generation that seeks to benefit from the vision we are writing together,” Itumbi said.
Last month, Itumbi formed the grassroots initiative to provide a platform to locals to present their views on their development priorities and challenges affecting communities, with the aim of shaping a shared vision for the county.
He identified two brews popular locally among the illicit drinks causing concern, warning manufacturers and sellers that their operations will no longer be allowed to thrive.
Itumbi stressed that the crackdown is urgent given deaths and injuries previously reported in the county following consumption of illicit alcohol.
In February 2024, 17 people died after consuming illicit liquor in Kangai and Kandongu areas of Mwea West, while others suffered blurred vision. Health officials suspected the drink contained dangerously high levels of ethanol.
The deaths triggered a countywide response, including the closure and fresh vetting of liquor outlets.
In April last year, Kangai suffered another scare when two men fell critically ill and collapsed shortly after consuming suspected illicit liquor.
Itumbi maintained that the latest campaign will target the entire chain behind illicit alcohol.
“This is no longer about people coming from outside Kirinyaga to fight illicit alcohol. It is Kirinyaga people themselves saying enough is enough,” he said.
He revealed that the next two weeks will focus on consultations and preparation of a strategy to tackle illicit brewing at the village level.
Consultations will begin with female clergy on Thursday before engaging the wider interdenominational clergy. He will then seek the involvement of National Government Administration officers, including chiefs and assistant chiefs.
He added that NACADA and the Ministry of Interior will be involved in the initiative.
“The approach has to be comprehensive. There must be a physical crackdown, but there must also be rehabilitation, mentorship, prayer and medical intervention,” he said.
CAs in March this year passed a motion prohibiting the sale of second-generation alcohol in the County, citing serious health concerns and negative social consequences among residents. Despite this, consumption of the brews has continued
Itumbi warned traders who rely on bribery that they will no longer evade enforcement and that their networks will be targeted.
“Those who think they can bribe their way or pay off officials to continue selling poison, your era of giving money to push poison to our people has come to an end,” he warned.
Efforts to build a better county, he argued, can’t succeed while a section of the population is struggling with addiction.
Itumbi also condemned violence witnessed during a UDA grassroots leaders’ meeting at Nembure grounds in Embu, where one died and at least six vehicles were torched during violent clashes.
He maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through competing ideas rather than physical confrontation, destruction of property or attacks on opponents.
“It is okay for people to differ. You can support two terms or one term. What is not okay is to fight over that difference. Without competition, there is no politics,” he said.
Itumbi condemned the burning of vehicles during the incident, including one belonging to a journalist, arguing that such acts went beyond political rivalry.
He noted that destroying the vehicle also destroyed the journalist’s livelihood, urging political leaders to present alternative ideas and allow voters to make their choices.
