Kirinyaga brew that killed 17 was exhibit, rogue police sold it to trader at Ksh.20K

A police officer, who declined to be named has told Citizen Digital that the killer brew had been stored in the station before four rogue officers sold it out on Sunday night. 

“Our four police officers on Sunday night sold exhibits to the owner of the California bar at Ksh. 20,000 where each officer pocketed Ksh. 5000 each. Please don't quote me as nobody can confirm as all senior police officers have been transferred, the source told this publication on Saturday evening. 

Sold out at Ksh.20,000, the killer brew would then be consumed at Carlifonia bar in Kangai village. Those who consumed the liquor suddenly developed complications such as loss of sight, before 6 died on the spot. 

17 families have since come out to report that they lost family members in the bar. The families met Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi on Saturday. 

A number of residents of Kangai and Kandongu villages in Mwea have also reported that the police in the area are involved in the illegal trade, calling for investigations into the conduct of officers from Kiamaciri police station. 

The residents claim the exhibit had been held at Kiamaciri station for two days before being sold to the Carlifonia bar owner. 

“I am mourning death of  my only son Francis Muiruri, who died after consuming the deadly brew. He was diploma holder in a local university,” one Peter Waweru says. 

Elizabeth Muthoni, who is accusing local administration of laxity said the owner of bar had been operating the bar at Kangai and Kandongu despite the County Government of Kirinyaga saying the bars are not licensed. 

Elizabeth lost his 30-year-old son who consumed the killer brew on Monday. 

Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango, who is aware of the recent developments has called for the transfer and prosecution of the four officers. 

“ I have been informed that some Kiamaciri police officers are bar owners, how can they help our people when they are trading with the suspect?,” posed Murango. 

Murango said he will not relent until all police officers from Kiamaciri and Kangai police stations are transferred.

He questioned Mwea-west sub-county police commander Mbatian Kantai for allowing the illegal trade to occur. 

On Friday government recalled all senior officers in Kirinyaga County following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s order. 

Speaking in Kutus, Gachagua placed blame on Kirinyaga County Commissioner Nayoima Tobiko, Police commander Reuben Muli, CIC, Mwea West AP and police commander and Mwea West Deputy County Commissioner. 

Gachagua said the seniors will also be investigated and not transferred to other counties before proper action is taken.

Baricho Law Courts on Wednesday ruled that John Muriithi Karaya alias ‘California’, the owner of the bar where the brew was sold, is detained for 20 days.