Gov’t recalls senior police officers after 13 people died from consuming illicit brew in Kirinyaga

The government has recalled senior law enforcement officers after 13 people died and others went blind from consuming illicit liquor at Kangai village in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday, further called for a probe into the incident and necessary action to be taken against officers found culpable.

“The government has recalled senior law enforcement and National Government Administration officers who by conduct or misconduct may have contributed to the recent loss of lives occasioned by the consumption of an illicit toxic brew in Kirinyaga County, Central Region,” stated CS Kindiki.

“Relevant agencies are directed to immediately initiate inquiries upon which appropriate administrative action will ensue on those found culpable.”

The owner of the bar that sold the killer brew was on Wednesday detained for 20 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

The Baricho Law Courts ruled that John Muriithi Karaya alias ‘California’ be held at the Kiamaciri Police Station, while the matter was scheduled for mentioning on March 7, 2024.

Six family members are said to have died on Tuesday with five others going blind after consuming illicit liquor at the California bar belonging to the suspect.

Seven more people later succumbed while undergoing treatment at various local hospitals in the county, where at least six others also underwent treatment.

The arrest and prosecution of the bar owner came as residents raised concerns over complacency by police and the local administration over their repeated complaints about the activities at the bar.