Power of Illicit alcohol brewery in Machakos that has turned youths into zombies

Image result for images of illicit brew in Machakos

Shockingly, an illicit alcohol brewery has survived police raids for nine years, and thrived.The brewery, along Katine River in Ngomeni, Matungulu, is a major source of the chang’aa sold in the region.

Residents described the person behind the brewery as ‘untouchable’ and well-connected with the police and Machakos County officials, who protect him.

They asked the national government to intervene and close down the den, which they claimed had turned youths into zombies, destroyed marriages and made students drop out of school.

Image result for images of illicit brew youths in Machakos

They said consumption of chang’aa had also led to deaths and insecurity in the region

There were reports that the brewery produced an average of 200 litres of chang’aa every day, which is sold as far as Kangundo and Kathiani sub-counties.

News reporters visited the brewery, about three kilometres south of Nguluni market, at the weekend following the residents’ complaints. They found four young men busy preparing the liquor.

A chang’aa brewery near Katine River in Ngomeni, Matungulu sub-county

They said they thought we were undercover officers, but they didn’t seem perturbed by our presence.”Are you new police officers? Anyway, your colleagues were here yesterday and we sorted things with them as usual. Ours now is to work,” one of them said.

County Commissioner Abdullahi Galgalo has vowed to eliminate the illicit brew menace.

“Nobody is above the law. If that has been happening anywhere in Machakos, then it is unfortunate. However, we shall spare no effort in ensuring the chang’aa menace is dealt with once and for all. Those culpable will face the full force of the law,” Mr Galgalo said.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *