Two die after consuming illicit liquor in Trans Nzoia

Police officers destroy illicit brew at a homestead in Kiamabundu, Kisii County. April 12, 2024. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] Two deaths were reported in Trans Nzoia County over the weekend in incidents related to the consumption of illicit brew in Nashanda village, Kwanza constituency. The violent incidents, which occurred on the night of May 10, have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for a crackdown on illegal brewers and rogue law enforcement officers accused of turning a blind eye to the brewing problem. In the first incident, Ronald Wekhomba, 45, was brutally hacked to death in an unlicensed alcohol den. He was reportedly drinking with other customers when he was attacked with a machete, sustaining fatal injuries to the back of his head. Witnesses said the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Wanjala Chekonde, confronted Wekhomba over a sum of money believed to be from the sale of half an acre of land. Wekhomba had allegedly sold part of his farm to pay hospital bills for his 13-year-old daughter, who is currently admitted to a hospital in Eldoret. Chekonde, who allegedly committed the murder, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by enraged villagers. The mob reportedly beat him to death with blunt objects before setting his body on fire. "My brother had just returned from the hospital, where his daughter is still admitted. He had worked hard to raise money to keep her alive. It is heartbreaking that he was killed for trying to be a responsible parent," said Timothy Lusweti, the deceased's brother. Lusweti revealed that the family has not yet informed Wekhomba's daughter of his death due to her delicate condition. "She is still weak and recovering. We fear the news might worsen her situation," he said. His brother was particularly disturbed by the negligence of the brewer involved in the incident. "The deceased left his house around 9 am to drink, and after he was murdered, the brewer did not even report the incident. It was only when customers arrived the next morning that they found the body and alerted the family," added Lusweti. The killings have highlighted the unchecked proliferation of illicit alcohol in the county. Residents report that illegal dens have sprung up across Kwanza, turning entire villages into breeding grounds for crime and family breakdown. Benson Wepukhulu, a resident of Lunyu village, painted a grim picture of the situation. "There are at least four well-known outlets selling chang'aa and bhang every day. Some places, like 'White House', 'Kituo cha Mama', and 'Jumapili', sell more than 2,000 liters of brew daily," Wepukhulu claimed. Wepukhulu also accused some police officers of colluding with illegal brewers and failing to enforce the law. "If no action is taken soon, we the citizens will start arresting both the brewers and the officers protecting them and bring them to justice ourselves," he warned. Another resident, Bill Wekesa, noted that the trade in illicit alcohol has decimated livelihoods in the area. "You cannot keep goats, cows, or chickens anymore. They get stolen by addicts and thieves hiding in the brew dens," Wekesa lamented. The brewing crisis is not new to the county. Reuben Wabwile, another villager, recalled a similar incident that occurred over a year ago. "A man named Emmanuel Kilenga died under similar circumstances. This is a ticking time bomb," said Wabwile. Keiyo MCA Kennedy Mugush condemned the killing and called for urgent intervention from security agencies to prevent further violence. "We are urging the government to step in immediately and restore order. There are still two more suspects believed to have assisted Chekonde in the murder, and they must be apprehended and brought to justice through the proper legal channels," stated Mugush. Mugush also pledged support for the family of the deceased, Ronald Wekhomba, insisting that a proper postmortem must be conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder. "We cannot allow this matter to be swept under the rug. If the government cannot cover the postmortem costs, I, along with other leaders, am ready to personally contribute to ensure it is done," he emphasised. Jane Simiyu, a mother of four, shared the emotional toll the brewing problem has had on families. "Our men no longer come home. They sleep at the brew dens and return drunk in the morning. Our children are suffering," she said. In response to these incidents, Deputy County Commissioner for Kwanza Stephen Kavulu and County Police Commander Paul Wambugu pledged to launch a full-scale operation to dismantle the illicit alcohol network in the area. "We will not tolerate lawlessness. We will investigate everyone involved, from brewers to enablers, and ensure they face the law," stated Wambugu.

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