Kirinyaga village swears off beer ahead of festive season

While most Kenyans are planning to overindulge during the holidays, residents of Kiumbu Village, Kirinyaga County have sworn off beer ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Led by their chairman, Josphat Macharia, the residents said they will stick to water, soup, soda and milk during the end year festivities.

What would have prompted Kiumbu residents to swear off the drink?

Macharia explained that locals were taking this brazen move in a bid to stamp out the illicit brew menace in the area.

According to the Chairman, the fight against the killer drinks has not been without casualties. One zealous village elder had been thrown behind bars for fighting the illegal liquor.

Instead of weakening their fight against the brews, Macharia says the arrest has served to harden their resolve.

Kiumbu residents have now made posters warning alcohol manufacturers against selling their products in the region.

The local political leadership has shown support for this move, and Tebere Ward Representative Gudson Muchina backed the bold stand.

Deputy County Commissioner Alfred Muandale visited the residents to discuss their announcement.

Illicit brew has adversely affected the nation, and numerous people have died while others have been hospitalised because of the drinks.

President Uhuru Kenyatta declared war on the liquor, and he mandated various government bodies to tackle the menace.