Matungulu residents present their petition on chang'aa to an official at Kangundo Law Courts on October 26, 2026.

Residents of three villages in Matungulu, Machakos County, have petitioned the courts over the sale of illicit brew they say has claimed more than 24 lives, demanding tougher action against brewers and repeat offenders.

Residents of Syanthi, Kavumbu and Ngomeni villages in Katine sub-location, Tala location on Monday presented a memorandum to the Kangundo and Tala law courts, accusing the justice system of allowing suspects to return to their villages and resume brewing after being released on low cash bail.

The petition was presented by an interdenominational clergy fraternity and families who have lost relatives to what they described as chemically adulterated chang’aa.

The residents said they staged a peaceful demonstration on October 16, but faced violent resistance from brewers. They alleged that the confrontation was followed by nighttime retaliatory attacks in which homes belonging to community leaders were stoned.

The community also raised concerns about security arrangements, claiming Tala Police Station officers cited national examination duties, a shortage of government vehicles and fuel constraints as reasons they could not provide security for Monday’s demonstration. The Star could not immediately independently verify the claims.

In their memorandum, the residents urged the Judiciary to exercise its discretion under Article 49 of the Constitution when considering bail for repeat offenders accused of selling lethal illicit brew.

They also called on Parliament to amend the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act to classify adulterated brew that causes deaths as manslaughter or attempted murder.

The residents further sought protection orders barring suspects released on bond from returning to the villages while their cases are pending.

The memorandum was received at Kangundo Law Courts during a media briefing led by community representative Fr Charles Kyalo Mutua and Tala MCA Jackson Ndaka.

“We must protect lives and we must create jobs and livelihoods for our youths. We have lost over 24 lives to illicit brews,” Fr Mutua said.

Ndaka said the engagement with the court was friendly and reassuring, warning that authorities would take firm action against those involved in the illicit trade.

“If you are dealing in illicit drugs and alcohol you should know that stern action will now be taken. There's no room for corruption,” he said.

Kangundo Senior Resident Magistrate Jaffline Sure advised residents to ensure they presented all available evidence to police whenever a suspect was arrested.

She said the quality of evidence presented to court was critical to securing strong judgments.

The magistrate emphasised that the court could only make decisions based on the evidence placed before it.