Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-17 21:00:00
The recent tragedy in Kirinyaga County, where the death toll from an illicit brew incident has reached 20, has brought to light the devastating impact of the illicit alcohol trade in Kenya. This is one of the highest numbers of deaths from a single outlet in the country in a long time, and it serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to eradicate this deadly problem.
The victims reportedly consumed liquor that had been laced with a deadly substance, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated and illicit alcohol. This tragic loss of life is a painful price to pay for the greed of a few traders and the failure of officials to effectively regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is also disheartening to see the kneejerk reactions of administrators and political leaders in the wake of such incidents.
Calls for the blanket closure of bars in response to this tragedy would be unjust to the legally registered businesses that comply with licensing requirements. It is important to remember that the actions of a few should not disadvantage the law-abiding majority. Instead, efforts should be focused on addressing the root causes of the illicit alcohol trade and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure has announced a countrywide crackdown against the menace of illicit alcohol, which is a welcome step. However, it is important to recognize that similar vows have been made in the past, only for illicit dealers to resurface once the dust settles. There needs to be a sustained and coordinated effort to tackle this problem effectively.
The deadly brew in Kirinyaga is believed to have been laced with ethanol, a substance that is not easily obtained by small bar owners. This raises questions about the source of the deadly substance, and it is essential for the police to thoroughly investigate this matter.
In addition to law enforcement efforts, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol Abuse (Nacada) needs to take a more proactive role in addressing the broader issues related to alcohol abuse. This includes efforts to tackle alcoholism and support the rehabilitation of addicts, as well as implementing strict enforcement of regulations to streamline the alcohol business and curb the activities of greedy and deadly merchants.
The tragedy in Kirinyaga County serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of illicit alcohol and the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to tackle this problem. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, and the alcohol industry, to work together to address the root causes of the issue and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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