Illicit alcohol kills 10 in Kirinyaga, NACADA issues warning

The government is investigating the contents of suspicious alcoholic drinks linked to at least 10 deaths and temporary blindness among consumers in Kirinyaga County.

The 10 deaths - six on Tuesday and four on Wednesday - were confirmed by Central Regional Commissioner Fredrick Shisia, who said the owner of the bar where the people had the alcohol would be charged with murder.

Shisia said the bar owner was arrested and taken to a local police station for questioning.

"The suspect killed 10 people and will be charged in court soon," he said in Kangai village, Mwea East Constituency, where the bar was located.

He further urged the police to work closely with other government agencies to tame the rogue brewers.

Residents stormed the bar, destroyed crates of beer, tables and other property, and then set it on fire.

They said some of the victims died at home and others at Kerugoya referral hospital, and that five people suffered temporary blindness after drinking the illicit alcohol.

Mwea East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Teresa Mwangi noted that the bar was unlicensed and had earlier been closed but was reopened after the owner obtained a court order.

Following the incident, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) issued a statement on Wednesday, asking the public to exercise caution.

"From preliminary reports, the deaths occurred as a result of consumption of an unidentified substance whose contents are yet to be established," said NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa.

"As the relevant investigative agencies try to unravel the contents and source of the killer drink, NACADA wishes to caution the public on rising cases of illicit alcohol-related deaths and illnesses and urges the public to avoid consumption of alcohol whose quality cannot be verified."

Omerikwa added that the authority would intensify its crackdown on substandard, illicit and counterfeit alcohol to protect the public.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved. We also wish those in hospital a quick recovery, he said. "We further call on members of the public to support the initiative by reporting any suspected illicit trade in alcohol and any other drugs."

The NACADA boss also appealed to county governments to execute their devolved licensing mandate to control the proliferation of bars and stores selling wines and spirits, many of which do not meet operating standards.

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