'He will never know freedom!' Kindiki calls for serious charges on owner of Kirinyaga killer brew bar

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki says the government will pursue the most severe charges against John Muriithi, the owner of the Kirinyaga bar that sold toxic liquor to residents on February 3, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 17 people.

Speaking in Mwea, Kirinyaga County on Friday, just hours after two more people died from consuming toxic liquor at Kandongu village, Kindiki emphasised the government's commitment to building a solid case, with compelling evidence, against Muriithi.

Kindiki had toured the area to announce major policy, operational and administrative changes to guide the war against illicit alcohol in the County and larger Mt. Kenya region.  

"We intend to charge Mr. Muriithi with the most serious crimes ever in our statutes. The murder of so many people is not a small thing and therefore we are not looking at routine charges about operating without a license and other misdemeanors," said Kindiki.  

"We are looking at putting up a proper and water-tight case. This fellow will never know freedom again."  

Drawing a parallel between Muriithi's actions and those of notorious criminals across the country, the Interior CS underscored the severity of the offense, likening it to acts perpetrated by self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie of the Shakahola Massacre.

"I don't see any difference between what this character has done and what other dangerous criminals have done in other parts of the country. There is no difference between this terrible character and what Mackenzie did in Shakahola and what bandits and terrorists are doing," said the Interior CS. 

Muriithi was arraigned on February 7 with the Baricho Law Courts decreeing that he be held for 20 days at Kiamaciri Police Station pending the conclusion of investigations.

The matter is scheduled to be mentioned on March 7, 2024.

The arrest and prosecution of Muriithi came as residents raised concerns over complacency by police and the local administration over their repeated complaints about the activities at the bar.