Two liquor addicts die in Gilgil

Government officers in Gilgil sub-county have started profiling alcohol addicts following reports that two men had died due to lack of liquor.

One of the victims, who is said to be a drunkard, died on Sunday in Ngomongo village after going for five days without drinking.

Gilgil sub-county commissioner Kamau Karungo confirmed they had started collecting names of suspected addicts who had been affected by the ongoing crackdown.

Mr Karungo said on the first day of the exercise, 30 of the addicts had been registered ahead of the rehabilitation exercise.

"We have received information that one of the addicts has died in Ngomongo village. That is why we have started profiling alcoholics ahead of a planned rehabilitation," he said.

Speaking on Monday, Karungo termed the ongoing operation against illicit brews as a success, adding that they managed to nab and discard thousands of litres of the second-generation drinks.

"We shall not rest until we have sanity in this sector. The operation is now targeting outlets selling the second-generation brews," he said.

Seeking compensation

The National Youth Service plans to rehabilitate over 5,000 alcohol addicts in Nakuru Town West and East constituencies.

Meanwhile, bar owners in Naivasha are counting losses running to millions of shillings after their outlets were invaded by police and their property destroyed.

The group has now vowed to move to court to seek for compensation from the Government following the invasion carried out last week.

Addressing the Press at a Naivasha hotel, the traders said the crackdown on second-generation and illicit liquor targeted them unfairly, saying they were duly licensed.

"They even destroyed sodas, juice bottles and even bottled water. We have been left wondering why the crackdown had to be done in such a manner," said Hannah Wangari.