Coast residents protest crackdown on traditional Mnazi wine dens

Patrons confidently sip mnazi, the traditional Miji Kenda alcoholic beverage tapped from the coconut tree at Jitoni. They argue mnazi should not be declared illicit since they are promoting the coastal culture. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD

MOMBASA: Residents in parts of Mombasa and Kilifi counties are protesting the manner in which raids on illicit brews are being conducted.

They are particularly irked by the way the government has criminalised taking of popular palm wine, locally known as Mnazi.