Fresh reports indicate that the lethal brew responsible for the deaths of 17 individuals in Kirinyaga County was, shockingly, exhibit liquor stored at the Kiamaciri police station.
According to an anonymous police source who spoke to a local news outlet, the deadly concoction had been kept at the station until four rogue officers allegedly sold it to the owner of California bar for Ksh. 20,000 on Sunday night.
“Our four police officers on Sunday night sold exhibits to the owner of the California bar at Ksh. 20,000 where each officer pocketed Ksh. 5,000 each. Please don’t quote me as nobody can confirm as all senior police officers have been transferred,” the source disclosed.
Subsequently, the illicit brew made its way to the California bar in Kangai village, where patrons consumed it, unaware of its fatal effects. Tragically, several individuals who imbibed the concoction experienced sudden complications, including loss of sight, leading to the immediate demise of six individuals.
Seventeen grieving families have since come forward to report the loss of their loved ones, a sorrowful gathering that caught the attention of Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi during her visit on Saturday.
Residents of Kangai and Kandongu villages in Mwea have also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of local police in the illegal trade, urging thorough investigations into the conduct of officers from Kiamaciri police station.
Some residents claimed that the exhibit had been stored at Kiamaciri station for two days before being unlawfully sold to the California bar owner.
“I am mourning the death of my only son, Francis Muiruri, who died after consuming the deadly brew. He was a diploma holder in a local university,” lamented Peter Waweru.
Elizabeth Muthoni, another bereaved parent, accused the local administration of negligence, stating that the bar owner had been operating without a license despite warnings from the Kirinyaga County Government.
Elizabeth lost her 30-year-old son, who consumed the fatal brew on Monday.
Aware of the gravity of the situation, Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango called for the immediate transfer and prosecution of the four officers implicated in the scandal.
“I have been informed that some Kiamaciri police officers are bar owners. How can they help our people when they are trading with the suspect?” questioned Murango.
Expressing his determination, Murango vowed not to relent until all police officers from Kiamaciri and Kangai police stations are transferred.
He also questioned Mwea-west sub-county police commander Mbatian Kantai for allegedly allowing the illegal trade to persist.
In a significant move, the government recalled all senior officers in Kirinyaga County following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s directive.
Addressing the matter in Kutus, Gachagua placed blame on Kirinyaga County Commissioner Nayoima Tobiko, Police commander Reuben Muli, CIC, Mwea West AP and police commander, and Mwea West Deputy County Commissioner.
Furthermore, Baricho Law Courts ruled on Wednesday that John Muriithi Karaya, also known as ‘California,’ the proprietor of the bar where the lethal brew was sold, be detained for 20 days pending further investigations.
