Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has revived the debate on the legalisation of traditional brews in the country.
According to Kinyanjui, thousands of young people are being “rendered socially and economically unproductive after seeking solace in the deadly beverages”.
“The lethal concoctions in the illicit brew are baffling as they are dangerous compared to traditional brew, such as muratina, taken during ceremonies,” he said.
Kinyanjui observes that it is time the country considers legalizing traditional brew instead of losing our youth to cheap illicit liquor that affects their productivity
He said that legalization of traditional brews will ensure that all those involved in their making are licenced and known.
This, he says, will make it easy for them to be held responsible should their brews result in fatalities.
Kinyanjui noted that crafty brewers have taken advantage of the drinking appetite among the youth to prepare and sell brews that are threatening to wipe out an entire generation.
In his county, he cited areas of Molo, Njoro and Subukia as those with the highest proliferation of illicit brews and put those behind it on notice.
“We will flush you out. We want our youth to remain focused and engaged in meaningful development,” Kinyanjui said.
The governor is expected to preside over a stakeholders meeting this week to deliberate on the illicit brews problem in Nakuru county.
