A tragic incident occurred in Kaisagat location, West Pokot County on Monday, July 24, where a 2-year-old child lost their life after drowning in a chang'aa container.
The brewers had hidden the illicit liquor in a maize plantation, and the child accidentally fell in and drowned while playing with other children.
The area chief promptly reported the matter to Kapenguria Police Station after residents informed him about the unfortunate incident.
Reports claimed that the brewers had hidden the illicit liquor in the maize plantation to evade the frequent crackdowns staged by authorities to crack down on illicit brewing.
Police officers are actively pursuing the missing child's parents after being informed of the incident. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and assist the police in the ongoing investigations.
The parents had initially claimed that the minor drowned in a water basin before members of the public gave a different account on what had actually transpired.
Speaking after the incident, West Pokot Sub County Police Commander Kipkemoi Kirui warned that unscrupulous liquor traders had devised cunning ways to escape crackdowns.
“Brewers are now hiding their brews in dangerous places, leading to injuries and even the deaths of innocent souls like this child,” Kirui stated.
He appealed to the residents to refrain from setting up illegal brew businesses and consuming illegal alcohol. He added that they should instead delve into productive ventures that will be beneficial to both them and the community at large.
Kirui noted that illicit brew had caused numerous harm to the community, especially the youth who are idle and unemployed. Young people, the police commander uttered, should redirect their energy towards constructive activities.
“There are numerous business opportunities that are legally sound and can help individuals as well as the community to grow,” he advised.
The government has previously conducted successful raids targeting illegal liquor dens in West Pokot. On June 22, authorities destroyed 1,000 litres of illicit brew and confiscated equipment used in the menace.
