KENYA – The government has issued a stern warning in response to the surge in the trafficking of second-generation brews, particularly the illicit “Kingdom Vodka,” in Nandi County.
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Nandi Central, Saidi Shabaan, raised the alarm over the dangerous brew, emphasizing that it poses a severe threat to public health and safety.
Shabaan revealed that the sale of “Kingdom Vodka” has been on the rise in the county, with the illicit brew being sold for as low as Sh100.
He highlighted the dangerous preparation method used by rogue brewers, who mix ethanol and water before packaging it for sale to unsuspecting consumers identifying the resulting product as unsafe for human consumption.
During the launch of Huduma Service Week at the Huduma Centre Offices in Kapsabet town, Shabaan announced the government’s firm stance against the sale of illicit alcohol. He promised that authorities would ruthlessly crack down on all individuals involved in this illicit trade.
“This is a calling; please let us join forces and fight the vice with the force it deserves. If we don’t completely eradicate it, the next generation will be lost because Kingdom Vodka destroys the reproductive system of a man,” he warned.
Shabaan also outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing surveillance throughout the county to combat the menace effectively.
He also revealed that the sellers of Kingdom Vodka have resorted to clandestine methods, such as nighttime hawking and concealing the brew in tea plantations, to avoid detection by law enforcement.
The DCC acknowledged that locally brewed alcoholic beverages like chang’aa and busaa have seen a decline, attributing this success to the collaboration between local administrators and the public.
However, he emphasized that Kingdom Vodka represents a significant threat and called for a united effort to eradicate it.
“This is a cross-cutting issue affecting the whole county. It is a national disaster in waiting. Let us fight it because if we do not eradicate it, then it will kill us. As locals, if we say we don’t want the commodity in our midst, it will happen. Let us cooperate and fight this killer brew,” Shabaan urged.
Shabaan also called upon religious leaders to incorporate awareness about the dangers of illicit alcohol into their church teachings.
He stressed the need for a collective effort involving all stakeholders, including security agencies, and local leadership, to combat this menace effectively.
“It is a national outcry, and if we work in unison, we will fight this menace and keep our next generation safe. Many youths are taking it because it is cheap,” he concluded.
“The government’s resolute stance aims to protect public health and safeguard future generations from the perils of counterfeit liquor.”
