17 buried as DP Gachagua, Waiguru sound warning to county officers who own bars

**Family members overwhelmed by emotions during the mass burial of 17 individuals who died after consuming illicit alcohol in Kangai and Kandongu in Mwea West.** [Jane Mugambi, Standard]

Seventeen people who died after consuming illicit liquor in Kiranyaga County have been laid to rest.

The incident that happened at a local bar within Kangai village left 23 people dead, over 20 people blind while others fighting for their lives in hospital.

As a result, some eleven (11) Kirinyaga County employees who also own bars have their days numbered.

This follows a stern warning issued by Governor Anne Waiguru on Saturday, February 17, stating that the officers need to choose between their county jobs or operating a bar.

“Let me make this clear to officers working for the Kirinyaga County Government…the 11 of you who are operating bars; You have a choice to either work for the county or own a bar,” said Waiguu.

“From today, if you own a bar, you will not work for Kirinyaga County Government,” she added.

The County chief claimed that the employees were colluding with other officers to acquire operating licences for their bars, a system she said is contributing to the illicit brew menace within the county.

Waiguru has since ordered the withdrawal of all licences for bars in the county, to allow for a fresh verification process.

She said the move will ensure illicit brewers are unable to operate. She also directed that all bars be shut from today.

Her sentiments were echoed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who declared a fight against manufacturers, in the back of the killer brews.

“If you are a police officer in Kenya operating a bar, choose between owning the bars or your jobs, starting from Kirinyaga County. You cannot be flouting the law. It’s not right to do conflicting business,” said Gachagua.

Further, Central Regional Commissioner Fredrick Shisia has been ordered to interdict chiefs of the two areas where the illicit brew that killed 17 people was sold.

Last week all State officers in charge of the area were recalled.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki on X (formerly Twitter) said Kindiki said the recall included senior law enforcement and National Government Enforcement officers who worked and were in charge of Kangai village in Mwea East.

“The Government has recalled senior law enforcement and National Government Administration officers who by conduct or misconduct may have contributed to the recent loss of lives occasioned by the consumption of an illicit toxic brew in Kirinyaga County, Central region,” said Kindiki.

The CS said the transfers are immediate and that investigations into the incident had been launched.