Kenyans warned against taking alcohol from unknown sources

By Peter Ochieng

The Ministry of Health is warning Kenyans against consuming alcohol from unknown sources, during the ongoing Christmas and new year festivities.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) led Susan Nakhumicha ministry in a statement on Wednesday said a lot of health risks come with taking alcohol from unfamiliar sources.

"Stay safe during this festive season! Protect your health by avoiding alcohol from unknown sources to minimize potential risks," the ministry shared on X, formerly Twitter.

"Avoid consuming alcohol from unfamiliar sources to safeguard your health and prevent potential health risks."

In October, 2023, two Karigini Secondary School students died with several others getting hospitalised after consuming an alcoholic substance suspected to contain ethanol.

The two were among a total of thirteen students who were involved in the incident at the school, in Tharaka Nithi county.

Parents and neighbours camped at the gate for hours demanding to know the safety of learners at the institution. Police contained the situation.

The incident came on the backdrop of Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua having asked Central Kenya Counties to enact tough laws to curb manufacturing, sale and consumption of illicit brews and substance abuse.

Key among his proposed measures included the formation of liquor licensing boards comprising people with integrity, and forfeiture to county governments of motor vehicles ferrying illegal alcohol.

“I ask you to consider reestablishing the liquor licensing boards that will be vetting application for permits by business persons to trade in alcohol," he said.

He suggested that membership comprise of the County Commissioners, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), public health officers, and religious leaders, among other men and women of integrity.