By: David Nyaga
Last week, police officers from Kangemi Police Post in Nyeri, aided by the area chief of Thungoma Location, destroyed 360 litres of the dangerous illicit liquor known locally as ‘Kangara’. The brew was being secretly produced at the banks of River Chania, hidden within dense thickets. Despite the significant haul, no suspects were arrested, underscoring the challenges authorities face in tackling this deadly menace.
Illicit brews like Kangara continue to claim lives across Kenya, with Nyeri being just one of many regions affected. These illegally brewed alcoholic beverages are often made in unsafe conditions, laced with harmful chemicals, and sold cheaply, making them accessible to vulnerable populations.
The consequences have been devastating. Families lose breadwinners to poisoning, leaving children and relatives to suffer in poverty and instability. Many victims experience severe health complications or sudden death, shattering the social fabric of communities. The lack of regulation and enforcement allows unscrupulous brewers to continue operating with impunity.
Authorities have intensified crackdowns, but the deep-rooted nature of illicit brewing, often linked to poverty and unemployment means the problem persists nationwide. Beyond the immediate health risks, the societal impact is profound: broken families, increased crime rates, and economic hardship.
It is imperative for the government, local leaders, and communities to collaborate on sustained awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of liquor laws, and support for alternative livelihoods to curb this silent killer. The fight against illicit brews is not just a battle for law and order but a struggle to save Kenyan families from preventable tragedies.
Mt Kenya Times 
Elizabeth Angira