Kenyan Police Authorities have arrested a former police officer for producing and selling illicit alcoholic substances in Murang’a County.
County Commander David Mathiu disclosed that authorities followed a tip-off from the public, and conducted a raid on a manufacturing plant installed in a residential home in Gatanga. He said different illicit alcoholic substances were impounded at the site.
Mathiu also said the ex-cop, who owns the brewery was arrested alongside another man working closely with him.
“We were able to find out that the culprit was a police officer, but he left the service. It is very unfortunate that somebody could leave such a good job and come to do such a business that is putting the lives of members of the public in danger.
The County Commander emphasised that Murang’a County will not condole such practices of producing illegal alcoholic substances that tend to put the lives of members of the public at risk.
“We have been able to impound quite a number of litres, around 150 litres of Ethanol. This is the very ethanol that made people die in our neigbouring county, and made others turn blind. We cannot continue like this.
The arrest comes a week after at least 11 people died, and many others went blind after consuming illicit alcohol in Kangai village, Kirinyaga County on February 5. The drinks were said to be laced with large quantities of ethanol.
Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the transfer of all top national government officials and police in Kirinyaga County last Friday, after the tragic deaths and loss of sight.
“Where was the administration and police when alcohol killed our people?
“I want to announce the immediate withdrawal of county commissioner, police commander, CCIO, and AP commander from Kirinyaga County and their deployment to Nairobi,” the DP said.
The government deployed a new team, and tasked them with the responsibility of eradicating illicit brews in the country.
