A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier was found dead in a chang’aa den in Kimilili sub-county, Bungoma County on April 12.
Following the unfortunate incident, police revealed that three people were arrested as investigations continue.
It was reported that the military officer attached to the Moi Air Base barracks passed on before reaching a medical facility.
The Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) of Kimilili police station, Mwita Marwa, confirmed the fatal event noting that the deceased was hit repeatedly with a wooden object.
Marwa further warned the public against taking the law in their hands but instead, report matters to the police for investigations.
He assured that detectives were piecing evidence and that those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
However, the Bungoma incident is not an isolated case involving disciplined officers and illicit brew in the country.
On February 16, 2023, a senior police officer was stabbed to death by a chang’aa brewer who wanted to escape imminent arrest.
Prosper Wandera , the Rumuruti police station deputy Officer Commanding Police Station, was conducting a raid at a chang’aa den at Maundu ni Meri in Laikipia West when the brewer stabbed him and ran away.
Speaking in Kiambu County which has been ravaged by alcoholism on January 19, 2023, President William Ruto promised that his administration will tackle the challenge of alcoholism head-on.
“National and County Governments must work together to confront this serious problem,” Ruto noted.
Illicit brew remains a major concern in the country, with the government intensifying efforts to tame production and consumption.
On January 26, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ordered a crackdown on illicit liquor across the 47 counties, saying it was threatening a whole generation.
"We shall not accept a situation where youths are being killed or become unproductive because of consumption of illicit alcohol.
The administrators must eradicate alcoholism and drug abuse. The Ruto Administration will not negotiate on this unfortunate matter," Gachagua stated.
