Human right activists have protested against the increasing number of bars and substandard liquor outlets in Narok County and the rise in illicit brew production and consumption in the area.

They called on security agencies and the county government to intensify efforts in combating the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol and closure of illegal liquor outlets operating in the area.

National Chairman to Kenyans Against Human Rights Violations lobby group, Mr. Daniel Mwangi Kamau said they had made formal requests to authorities to have the licenses of some bars operating in the devolved unit revoked for violating regulations on the sale of alcohol.

“It’s a matter of concern to see mushrooming bars in this area, many of the outlets have no required documents and illegal bars are selling substandard liquor putting the lives of the consumers at risk,” Mr. Kamau said.

He said they are committed to working with both the national and county governments to fight against the proliferation of harmful alcohol to protect future generations.

“We request the County security committee to rein in the illegal outlets. There should be regular inspections of the bars operating in this area to ensure that only the licensed outlets are allowed to operate. Those selling illicit and counterfeit liquor brands should face the law,” Mr. Kamau added.

He however commended the National Government Administration Organization (NGAO) officials and residents for their efforts in tackling alcoholism and illicit brew in the area.

He feared that “a generation could be lost” after many youths in the area took to the outlawed drinks, some due to joblessness and depression.

The human rights activist disclosed that he had documented reports of men disposing of household wares and appliances, farm produce and other valuables to get money for the drinks.

He claimed that illicit brews are hawked from as early as 6am in some areas of the county.

Mr. Kamau accused men who consume illicit brews of abandoning their parental responsibilities adding that some notorious brewers have schemed new ways of perpetrating the outlawed trade.

“Illegal brews which have taken a lot of effort from the national and county governments to fight are back,” he said.

Mr. Kamau said leaders and residents, especially women have raised concerns and called for government intervention over heavy consumption of the brews that have started claiming lives and escalating poverty levels.

The human rights activist said that they will be engaging the region administrators, police officers, the county government, Nacada among other agencies in the crackdowns against illicit brews.

“We will ensure that all chang’aa brewing dens are shut and the perpetrators brought to book. They are the reason why alcoholism and drug abuse are on the rise in our region,” he said.

“We will not allow the vice that was threatening the current and future generation to creep back.”

Ms. Ruth Silundu from Suswa said that they will engage the Narok county government to ensure that all licenses be issued afresh from January 1 to pave way for proper vetting and weeding out of unscrupulous traders.

“No one will be issued with a license after the current one expires until we are guaranteed of proper vetting of all the owners,” she said.

“Authorities need to devise new tactics to fight the vice including using drones to monitor where the liquor is being brewed along the rivers. To those conducting the illegal trade, their days should be numbered,” Ms. Silundu stated.

She also protested against the mushrooming of the liquor shops singling out unlicensed wines, spirits and bars which she said were contravening almost all alcoholic regulations.

“Some of those who operate illegally are boasting they are untouchable since they have godfathers. They have been a thorn in the flesh for legitimate operators. We call on the authorities to crack the whip,” Ms. Silundu said.

She also condemned the authorities who take bribes to release the culprits saying as human right activists they are not going to keep quiet while lives and livelihoods are being lost. “We must rise up and speak out,” she said.

She said the side effects of the illicit brew have been severe.

“Our young people cannot engage in any meaningful venture before they taste it. Once they go for a sip, you will find them sleeping along the paths in the village as early as 8am,” she said.

Ms. Silundu said users rarely shower or even have a decent meal, making them appear to be older than their peers in the village.

“People of all age groups are abusing the drug and it has led to most young people dropping out of school. The production, distribution and consumption of illicit brew in this county is our serious and main concern,” she said.

“The consumption has really affected our youth in Narok County. Who are our tomorrow’s leaders when we accept the processing and distribution of substances that destroy them? It will really affect this country.”

Ms. Silundu warned that ethanol is being used to produce cheap, highly potent alcohol within hours, leading to addiction, mental health issues and fatalities.

“We are losing a generation. We have no future,” she said. “Ethanol is now being used for illicit brews that are made in three hours and is ready for use. Our people are dying and going crazy.”

She emphasized that the fight against drugs could not be left to teachers and security officers alone, saying parents and communities must remain vigilant and actively involved in shaping discipline among learners.

Ms. Silundu urged teachers to work closely with local administrators and law enforcement agencies in identifying and reporting those involved in the illegal drug trade targeting schools.

by Emily Kadzo