One shot dead, factory set ablaze in Naivasha liquor crackdown

A factory goes up flames during a crackdown on second generation brews in Naivasha. Naivasha MP John Kihagi, led the operation that saw several outlets raided by the public and hundreds of litres of liquor destroyed. [PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/ STANDARD]

Naivasha, Kenya: One person was shot dead and property worth millions of shillings destroyed in Naivasha during a crackdown on second generation drinks.

During the incident, over 100 workers were saved by police in the nick of time after a factory they were working in was set ablaze by irate members of the public.

The day long operation was led by Naivasha MP John Kihagi and a host of MCAs around the town.
Operations in the lakeside town were paralysed as businesses closed early and residents fled to their homes with anti-riot police taking control.

At one time, a group of youth clashed with those leading the operation accusing them of looting but this did not deter the operation.

Trouble started after over 1,000 residents led by the MP started going round the town disposing the brews and closing down bars.

Over ten dens and three major factories were raided before the irate crowd moved to one of the largest factories, when the shooting incident occurred.

Gun shots rent the air and in the ensuing melee, one man was shot dead while another was left nursing gunshot wounds.

The man was confirmed dead on arrival at Naivasha sub-county hospital as police and fire fighters moved in to contain the inferno.

Kihagi vowed that the operation will continue for the next three days until all the liquor was discarded.

The legislator said that youth had been affected by the liquor noting that Naivasha was the leading town in terms of brewing.

"We shall continue with the operation around the town and its suburbs following the directive by the head of state," he said.

The sentiments were echoed by Lakeview MCA Simon Wanyoike, who said that many families were suffering due to the liquor.