Widows struggle to make ends meet as county steps up war on alcoholism

Widows who formed Methanol Victims Self Help Group after their husbands and relatives died after consuming a killer brew in Makueni County.

The widows whose husbands died after consuming the killer brew have formed a self help group to empower themselves in Kithuki and Kitise in Makueni County.

They use the group aptly named ‘Methanol Victims Self Help Group’, to reach out to victims of the lethal drink, Countryman.

Esther Muendo, whose husband Mbaluka Muendo died, says she joined the group to enable her fend for her five children. “Since his death, I became both mother and father. It’s a real struggle,” she said. Ms Muendo has set up a shop where she sells vegetables.

Tabitha Kavita was forced to take care of her three grand children after the death of their mother. Miriam Wavinya who owned the popular Thome bar, died alongside 19 men after imbibing the lethal drink.

The group which was registered barely three weeks after the tragedy had over 40 members but some dropped out leaving only 15.

They recounted how their kin died one by one.

“It is like they had signed a pact with death. You would wake up only to find someone still and dead. No struggle, nothing,” said Ms Kavita.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana lamented that youth are wasting their lives due to cheap alcohol. The governor particularly raised concern over the sale and consumption of Muguka – a cheap brand of Miraa family grown in Mbeere, Embu County– whose leaves are chewed as stimulant. He wants the same banned.

“The presidential directive to crackdown on second generation drinks was short-lived. Those drinks are slowly finding their way into our areas again. The government must be committed to this war,” said the governor, adding that those arrested should be jailed without an option of fine.

To cushion the youths from drug abuse and alcoholism, Prof Kibwana said his administration has established Tetheka Fund, where youths, women and persons with disability can take interest free loans to start income generating activities. This financial year the kitty has been allocated Sh60 million up from Sh45 million.

“We are looking at practical ways to keep our youths out of drugs. Our department of counseling is helping some of them to change their ways. Drugs and alcohol are a huge problem and we want to constantly talk and act against them,” he said.

But even as Kitise and Kithuki residents struggle to come to terms with the deaths, Kosovo bar, which sold the killer drink is still operational. However, Thome bar, whose owner died was closed. But the John Ndwii, the owner of Kosovo bar said he seeks the approval of the Deputy County Commissioner and AP commander’s offices before selling new brands of alcohol.