Police in Murang’a are searching for a local businessman suspected to be behind the manufacturing and selling of illicit brews in Kahuro Sub County. This comes after a security team on Wednesday impounded a consignment of 680 litres of ethanol and liquor manufacturing equipment in a residential house where the brewing of illicit liquor was being carried out. Leading the security team, Murang’a County Commissioner Patrick Mukuria said they have arrested two people who were found in the house, adding that they are currently pursuing the main suspect, who is well known in the area. Mukuria noted that the seizure of the ethanol and equipment used to manufacture illicit brews was a big boost to the fight against the sale of substandard alcoholic drinks in Murang’a. ‘The impounded ethanol is estimated to cost Sh 500, 000, and for some time we have been trying to access the house after we got information about the illegal business. Today, we managed to access the house and found the ethanol along with some assorted brands of liquor. ‘We have officers from KRA who have confirmed the business was done illegally, and the brands of alcohol manufactured here were not approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards,’ added Mukuria. The commissioner advised Murang’a residents to desist from consuming cheap alcoholic drinks, saying some are poorly made and may be a health hazard. ‘Getting a bottle of alcohol for less than Sh100 is questionable. The association of liquor manufacturers have confirmed that standard liquor should not cost below Sh100. ‘I appeal to those who take alcohol to be careful of illicit brews packaged in labelled bottles; some are poisonous and may have long-term health effects.’ He remarked. On his part, Murang’a County Police Commander David Mathiu asked the businessman to come out of his hideouts and report to the nearest police station. ‘Your days are numbered; just come out and report to any local police station. You cannot hide for long,’ Mathiu told the suspect. He reiterated that they will not tire until they eliminate manufacturing and selling of illicit and counterfeit alcohol in Murang’a. ‘Majority of young men have indulged in alcoholism and unfortunately, they have been affected by the cheap and substandard alcoholic drinks. Using ethanol to manufacture liquor is putting the lives of the consumers at risk and we have to stop this,’ added the commander. Mathiu divulged that the main suspect is operating 19 bars within Kahuro Sub County saying majority of alcoholic brands being sold in the outlets are fake.
Source: Kenya News Agency