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Chiefs sacked for aiding killer brew business


Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho on Wednesday sacked a chief and seven assistant chiefs in Meru County for allegedly condoning the manufacture and consumption of illicit alcohol.

Dr Kibicho ordered Chief Sebastian Koome (Nkabune), assistant chiefs Patrick Mboroki (Ntharene), Andrew Gitonga (Nkugwe), Leonard Kathurima (Kanywago), Bernard Muthaura (Kirima Ntune), Joshua Mbirichiwi (Kabereo) and Joseph Muthuri (Gakuri) to vacate office and hand over their uniforms.

He promoted Ntakira Chief John Mwenda and his deputy.

The PS said the government would dismiss administrators who abet the sale of killer liquor.

“The public should continue volunteering information about administrators and individuals involved in this trade.

We want to end it. Those selling the raw materials for these drinks will be arrested, too,” Dr Kibicho said.

He spoke in Irinda and Majengo villages during an operation against brewers and distillers.

More than 10,000 litres of illicit alcohol were poured.

LIQUOR LICENCES

At the same time, the PS blamed the Judiciary for frustrating the efforts to rid the country of prohibited liquor. Dr Kibicho said that since the operation began two months ago, 323 manufacturers had been arrested.

He said they had been released on fines totalling Sh317,000.

“This translates to about Sh900 for every manufacturer. We ask the courts to support us in this war. The first charge against these people should be murder,” he said.

He also asked county liquor boards to limit the number of licences issued to bars and hotels.

“Devolved governments are still issuing licences and many premises selling the drinks are operating as restaurants. This is frustrating the work of administrators,” he said.

Igoji East Ward Rep John Kireria said the fight against outlawed drinks was being hampered by lack of vehicles.

“We need more vehicles and administrators. Those who work hard should be promoted,” he said.

County Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga said interviews to fill the vacant positions of chiefs would be carried out next week.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

At the same time, Mr Kibicho sacked a chief and two assistants in Tharaka-Nithi County.

He said disciplinary action would be taken against Meru South District Administration Police chief Martin Waititu for reportedly failing in his duties.

He ordered Chief Wilson Rugane of Rutare Location and Assistant Chiefs Japhet Moni and Charles Njaga to surrender their uniforms.

“I want to hear that disciplinary action has been taken against the Administration Police boss by the time I reach Nairobi,” Dr Kibicho said.

He told officers unwilling to participate in the fight against the illegal trade to resign.

Dr Kibicho said drinking dens must be destroyed and manufacturers arrested and prosecuted.