'Your time is up': Kericho residents put notorious illicit brew sellers on notice

They took to the streets on Wednesday to protest, accusing security officers and the chief of laxity in dealing with culprits.

The group lamented that many locals’ lives were wasting away because of addiction to the illicit brew, adding that several people have died after consuming the alcohol, while youths have turned to crime and are no longer productive members of the community.

Families have complained of breadwinners using the little money they earn to buy the illicit brew, while abandoning their duties.

 Residents have warned that they will take legal action against the culprits if security officials do not arrest them.

Bernard Terer, a resident, said, “We cannot sit back and watch these people (illicit brew makers) destroy our families. We have come out to protest against this vice which is destroying families.”

Another resident, Esther Korir, who is a retired teacher, said, “So many people have been affected by the illicit brew. We have decided that the sellers must leave this village and there is no negotiation about it because they have been defiant in selling the brew, knowing very well it has caused death and left youths hopeless, turning them into criminals.”

She continued, “There is one notorious brewer who is arrogant and has gone as far as threatening those who have told him to stop the business.”

Korir’s sentiments were echoed by Betty Cheruiyot, a local, who said, “That particular brewer came to this village and found us peaceful. We welcomed him, but he repaid our goodness with evil, engaging in the sale of illicit brew.”