The festive cheer in Murang’a comes with a stern warning this year: sell poison disguised as alcohol, and you will face the full force of the law.

Speaking at Ihura Stadium during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, Murang’a County Commissioner Hassan Bule flagged a worrying trend where unscrupulous traders exploit the high demand during the Christmas and New Year rush to flood the market with dangerous, substandard brews. The warning comes as families across the region prepare to gather, raising the stakes for public safety.

A Zero-Tolerance Approach

Bule emphasized that the administration is moving beyond rhetoric to active enforcement. He cautioned that the consumption of these unregulated drinks is not merely a health hazard but a socio-economic wrecking ball that destabilizes the community.

“We cannot allow illicit brews to continue destroying our people. These substances break families, fuel violence, and expose consumers to serious health risks,” Bule asserted. He confirmed that the county security apparatus has shifted into high gear to dismantle these networks before the holidays peak.

To ensure the safety of residents, the County Security Committee has outlined a multi-pronged strategy:

• Intensified Surveillance: Security officers have increased patrols across all sub-counties to intercept supply chains.
• Targeted Raids: Several notorious brewing dens have already been shut down in pre-holiday operations.
• Community Intelligence: The public is being urged to anonymously report manufacturing and distribution points.

Beyond the Bottle: Boda Boda Crime

While the war on illicit liquor takes center stage, the Commissioner also shone a spotlight on a parallel security challenge. He expressed deep concern over the rising involvement of boda boda riders in criminal activities, particularly under the cover of darkness.

The security teams have been directed to monitor night-time operations closely, signaling that the crackdown will extend to any sector used as a conduit for crime. As the county heads into the thick of the festive season, Bule’s message remains unequivocal: the holidays will not become a harvest season for merchants of death.