Brewer in Marakwet West takes poison to evade arrest

Drama unfolded in Marakwet West when a woman allegedly attempted to commit suicide after she was found with 100 litres of kangara used for changaa brewing.

The woman, a mother of five, had been arrested in yesterday's morning swoop by police to rid the region of illicit brews. In the process, the woman from Kipsaiya location attempted to swallow poison to evade arrest.

"We arrested her and confiscated her brewing apparatus, but when we wanted to head to Kapsowar Police Station, she requested to go and dress warmly," explained area chief Moses Kitum.

The woman had, however, hatched a scheme to swallow a chemical used for tick control.

"We became concerned when she took long to return. When we checked on her, we found her on the ground foaming on the mouth,"  said Mr Kitum.

A bottle of the poison was found by her side. Kitum described the woman as a notorious brewer who had been arrested several times. She was taken to Kapsowar Mission Hospital.

Area deputy OCPD Anthony Muruiki said she would be charged with attempted suicide and production of illicit brew.