Assembly in heated debate over ‘mnazi’

Members of the Mombasa County Assembly (MCAs) have accused the police of harassing palm wine traders although the brew has been legalised.

During a heated debate in the County Assembly, the MCAs demanded that the police stop the crackdown, while others opposed the consumption of the local brew, known as mnazi, claiming it had ruined many homes in the Coastal region.

"Police are arresting sellers and users of mnazi when they know that drinking and selling mnazi is not illegal. The brew was legalised by the same government that is now harassing our people,"  said nominated MCA Sarah Nyamvula, who claimed she was an ardent user of the brew.

Nyamvula also said that palm wine and the palm tree should be protected because it was a source of employment for the Miji Kenda people.

She claimed prominent Miji Kenda personalities like the late minister Karisa Maitha and former MP Dr Chibule wa Tsuma were educated through the sale of mnazi.

MANY BENEFITS

"When I think of mnazi, what comes to my mind is the late Karisa Maitha. If it was not for the brew we would not have produced leaders like him or Dr Chibule, " said Nyamvula.

She called on the Speaker to form a committee to visit Malaysia and learn about the benefits of the palm tree.

Mwakirunge Ward Rep Enock Mwadziwe said the palm tree carries sentimental value for Coast region, since the brew produced from the tree is used during important celebrations.

But Tononoka Ward rep Saad Faraj said although he was aware of the tree's importance to the people in the region, he pointed out that the brew was known to have broken many homes.

"We know that tree has its many benefits to the public, but what we are opposed to is the aspect of producing drunkards. The brew has wrecked thousand of homes, leaving children to fend for themselves. As Muslims, we don't condone alcohol drinking, not even mnazi,"  said Faraj, prompting some members to query if the MP was against the brew based on his religion.

"Mr Speaker, Hon Faraj is condemning the brew based on religion. Just because he does not drink does not make drinking mnazi illegal," Junda Ward rep Paul Onje said.