- During the raid, property such as crates of beer and tables were destroyed. Witnesses mentioned that the victims had visited the bar on Monday night, enjoyed their drinks, and then returned home before the tragic events unfolded.
A court has granted the police permission to hold John Muriithi Karaya, also known as 'California,' for 20 days. Muriithi has been linked to a deadly homemade brew in villages in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
The prosecution successfully requested his detention at Kiamaciri police station following the deaths of at least 13 individuals who consumed alcohol suspected to have expired on February 6, 2024.
It's alleged that the individuals who passed away had consumed a suspected illegal brew from a bar owned by the suspect, known as California Bar. The case is set to be mentioned on March 7, 2024.
In response to the deaths, enraged residents set fire to the bar. Additionally, four others have reportedly lost their eyesight after consuming the same substance.
Central Regional Commissioner Fredrick Shisia stated that security teams are addressing the situation. Early Wednesday morning, the villagers raided and destroyed the bar owned by a local tycoon.
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During the raid, property such as crates of beer and tables were destroyed. Witnesses mentioned that the victims had visited the bar on Monday night, enjoyed their drinks, and then returned home before the tragic events unfolded.
In the early hours of Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the victims began experiencing stomach pains and vomiting, leading to the deaths of six individuals at home and others in hospitals. The exact contents of the brew are still unknown.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) expressed concern over the deaths and cases of blindness linked to the consumption of suspicious alcoholic drinks.
Nacada's CEO, Dr Anthony Omerikwa, emphasized the need to avoid alcohol whose quality cannot be verified and called on county governments to enforce licensing regulations to control the proliferation of substandard bars and alcohol outlets.
Among the deceased are six family members, and five others suffered partial blindness after consuming illicit liquor in Kangai village, Mwea East, Kirinyaga County.
Kerugoya health official George Karoki stated that some victims died at home, and their bodies were taken directly to the mortuary. The deaths occurred after consuming 'California,' a potent illicit liquor known in the region, despite ongoing campaigns against its consumption.
