Death toll of lethal drink reaches seven

By MOSES NJAGIHThe death toll of illicit liquor tragedy in Banana, Kiambu County, rose to seven on Sunday.
Three other survivors were last evening fighting for their lives after consuming the killer drink suspected to have high concentration of methanol.
Although wthe public pegged the number of those who had died at 12, police confirmed only seven deaths.

Naivasha MP John Mututho outside a club in Banana, Kiambu where the owner and workers escaped upon his arrival. Consumption of an illicit brew in the area has left seven people dead. [PHOTOS: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday visited the area and directed the Provincial Administration and the police to mop up all the illicit drinks and close down their premises.
Also visiting the area was Naivasha MP John Mututho, who initiated the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, commonly known as the Mututho Law.
The order from the Government came even as residents accused the law enforcers in the area of working in cahoots with those selling the lethal brews, saying if they had acted after the first casualty had been reported on Friday, the loss would have been less. Raila termed the liquor as poison, which should not be sold for consumption.
"You have a responsibility of protecting Kenyans and you must move with haste and close down all the areas selling this poison," said Raila, when he visited the homestead of Samuel Kamonde Kang’ethe, one of the victims of the brew.
The PM said the fight against such liquor and drug abuse has to be stepped up, saying police must not compromise the relentless fight initiated by the Government.
"We must deal seriously with those engaging in these activities. Such brews, and drugs like cocaine and heroine, have ruined many in our society and are now even penetrating our learning institutions," said Raila.
Alcohol lawsHe said although the country had a law regulating alcohol brewing, many people had illegally joined the business, hence manufacturing lethal drinks.
"There are some who are flouting the regulations. Police must be vigilant to arrest these people and ensure that the guide on brewing is strictly followed," he said.
The PM also visited two other victims of the lethal drink at Githiga village who

A victim of the brew after he was admitted to hospital after consuming the drink in Banana, Kiambu District.

were said to be in critical condition. Another victim was hospitalised at Kiambu District Hospital.
Mututho said the characteristics exhibited by the survivors indicated that the killer drink had high concentration of methanol.
He said police must investigate the authenticity of some Kenya Bureau of Standards standardisation marks on the drinks, claiming that some of them could be fake.
The residents expressed outrage at the police, claiming the officers were protecting those engaged in illegal sale of the illicit liqour.
"Even after the death of the first casualties on Friday night, police took no action and the same den where those who died had consumed the drink was still in operation yesterday (Saturday)," claimed an agitated parent.