Two Chiefs, Their Assistants Interdicted Over Kirinyaga Killer Brew

The government has interdicted two Chiefs and their assistant in connection with the deaths of 17 people who consumed illegal brew in Kangai and Kandongu villages in Kirinyaga County.

During a public baraza in Kangai Ward on Wednesday, County Commissioner Hussein Allason Hussein confirmed that the two chiefs and their assistants are being investigated.

The County Commissioner stated that the four government officials are being investigated.

The two chiefs who were interdicted after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's order during mass burial prayers at Kangai Primary School on February 17. The victims include Kathiga location Chief Jeremiah Muriithi Njoka and his assistant chief of Kariko-ini sub-location Samuel Ndung'u Kiarie, as well as Mutithi location Chief Weston Muthike Ngiria and his assistant chief of Kianjogu sub-location Peter Nyaga.

A section of residents objected to the suspension of Kathiga location Chief Jeremiah Muriithi, who is set to retire in June.

They claimed that the chief worked tirelessly to combat the activities of California pub owner John Muriithi, but that Kiamaciri and Kangai police officers undermined his efforts.

While issuing the order, DP Gachagua stated that the four government officers, along with the police officers, had failed to put an end to the trade of deadly spirits in their locations and sublocations.

Only 80 of the 330 bars in the Mwea West sub-county have been approved to operate.

“Nobody will die in Kangai and Kandongu villages for consuming illicit alcohol. We are here to protect you and deal with those selling deadly alcohol ruthlessly, the County Commissioner has vowed.