Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on Friday recalled senior law enforcement officers after 13 people died from consuming illicit brew in Kirinyaga.
In his statement shared via his official X account, the CS faulted the officers saying their misconduct contributed to the deaths.
The CS subsequently called on relevant security agencies to probe the incident and ensure that those found guilty are brought to book.
"The Government has recalled senior law enforcement and National Government Administration officers who by conduct or misconduct may have contributed to the recent loss of lives occasioned by the consumption of an illicit toxic brew in Kirinyaga County, Central Region. Relevant agencies are directed to immediately initiate inquiries upon which appropriate administrative action will ensure on those found culpable," the CS said.
Kindiki's directives followed after the arrest of the owner of the joint that sold the brew was arrested and detained for 20 days.
In a confirmation by DPP Renson Ingonga, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that the Baricho Law Courts granted a request by the prosecution to detain John Muriithi Karaya at the Kiamaciri police station.
"The Baricho Law Courts has today allowed a miscellaneous application by the prosecution seeking to have John Muriithi Karaya alias ‘California’ detained for 20 days at Kiamaciri police station in connection with the deaths of seven people who died on 6th February 2024, due to the consumption of illicit liquor at Kangai, Mwea-Sub County, to allow the police to conclude their investigations," ODPP stated.
The ODPP additionally stated that the matter was under investigation and the next hearing will be on March 7, 2024.
DPP Ingonga's confirmation came amid the deaths of three more people who died while receiving treatment after consuming the illegal alcohol that had killed ten others since Tuesday.
