By Lauryne Akoth
The 17 victims who died as a result of consuming illicit brew in Kandongu village in Kirinyaga County have been buried today.
The funeral service took place this morning at Kandongu Primary School in Kirinyaga County. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is attended the funeral service.
In attendance for the service was the governor of Kirinyaga County Anne Waiguru, cabinet secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome, Secretary to the cabinet Mercy Wanjau and the Kirinyaga County Assembly speaker Muteti Murimi, Dennis Itumbi among other protocols.
The master of ceremonies was Calbert Njeru, who skillfully led the proceedings, directing the programs of the day with poise.
The funeral service was overseen by the Catholic Church, with Father Wanjohi and other church leaders, including Bishop Kamau, Bishop Moffat Kiriomba, and Apostle Francis Wanderi, guiding the congregation in prayers. Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Gachagua was also asked to lead the congregation in prayer for the departed.
Speaking to the attendees, Muteti Murimi, the speaker of the Kirinyaga County Assembly, acknowledged the presence of all county assembly members at the funeral.
He also conveyed appreciation to the deputy president for intervening in the illicit brew case, specifically in the transfer of officers involved in facilitating the sale of the illicit brew.
He also emphasized that according to Section Six of the County Government Act, the county government is mandated to establish the office of the village council and village administrators.
When empowered, these administrators can effectively address the problem of illicit brew.
Additionally, he urged the deputy president to allocate more equitable resources to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.
Members of the national assembly were also in attendance for the funeral and passed their condolence messages to the families and friends of the deceased.
The Member of Parliament for Buuri Constituency, Rindikiri Mugambi, asserted that corrupt officials were responsible for the proliferation of illicit alcohol. He proposed tabling a motion in parliament to reinstate the Administration Police (AP) in the County Commissioner and Deputy County Commissioner offices. This, he argued, would enhance their capacity to address the problem of illicit alcohol.
The Member of Parliament representing Embakasi Central, Mejjadonk, declared that corrupt government officials were issuing operating licenses for illegal ethanol importation, and he emphasized the necessity of revoking these licenses.
He underscored the urgency for decisive actions against corrupt officials and urged an investigation into the borders through which illicit ethanol is brought into the country.
The death of the 17 victims led to a nationwide crackdown on illicit brew spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Administration of National Government.
The Cs stated that security teams across all 47 Counties have been instructed to effect the directive comprehensively. “All outlets selling illicit alcohol must be closed, and those owning or running them apprehended and prosecuted by the law. Henceforth, the manufacturing, trade, and sale of illicit brew will be dealt with ruthlessly, in a similar way to terrorism, banditry, and other complex criminal activities.”
He also urged security managers in Counties, Sub-Counties, and divisions to work with County Governments’ leadership across the Country, to review licenses issued to bars, and close down those that are non-compliant.
The Cabinet Secretary also revealed a rehabilitation initiative initiated by the Ministry of Interior, designed specifically for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Local chiefs and assistant chiefs were assigned the responsibility of gathering data on affected individuals for their enrollment in the program.
Additionally, he declared that Security and National Government Administration Officers involved in supporting, aiding, or facilitating the production, trade, and consumption of illicit brew, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances would face consequences.
The funeral service proceeded according to schedule, with numerous leaders arriving to convey their condolences to the family and friends of the victims. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was anticipated to speak and address those present at the funeral service.