By M, KNA
A section of Nyakach residents in Kisumu County have accused local administrators of laxity in addressing rampant illicit brewing and consumption in the area, even as calls for urgent action intensified following the death of three young men in a road accident.
The accident occurred after a Nyakach Girls’ school bus allegedly ran over the youths as they returned from an illicit brew den. The incident reignited anger among locals who now demand tougher measures to eradicate chang’aa dens.
Philip Oloo, a human rights activist, said residents have begun identifying and marking known brewing dens to protect children and youth. “We have come out to mark the chang’aa dens where our children come after school to partake in illicit brew with the intention of ending the menace,” he said.
Oloo decried the illicit brew scourge, blaming it for undermining security, fueling domestic violence, and breaking families. His concerns were echoed by Genga Okello, a member of Citizens Voice and Action, an NGO based in Nyakach, who said the community was determined to end the menace.
“We will not sit back and watch our brothers and fathers waste away. We already have disjointed families, high crime rates, and widespread suffering caused by chang’aa consumption. This must stop,” Okello said.
Local resident Mary Ouma urged the government to close the already identified 36 brewing dens. She said young people, including boda boda operators, were losing focus and succumbing to alcohol addiction. “Our children instead of working hard to brighten their future are lost in illicit brews. Even youths who should be supporting families are sinking into the menace,” Ouma lamented.
Another resident, Benta Anyango Okello, narrated how her child had been permanently disabled as a result of chang’aa abuse, underscoring the destructive impact of the illicit brew.
Nyakach Sub County Police Commandant, Okumu Odullo, acknowledged the concerns and proposed a reshuffle of police officers in the area, saying those compromised would face disciplinary action. He urged residents to cooperate with police and volunteer intelligence to dismantle the networks.
“Any police officer mentioned in protecting brewers will be dealt with. Anyone engaged in brewing or selling chang’aa is warned,” Odullo stressed.
Deputy County Commissioner, Job Anunda, pledged a decisive crackdown within two weeks. “Those brewing and peddling illicit brew should seek other businesses because we shall storm Nyalunya and sweep chang’aa out of Nyakach,” he vowed.
Locals now hope that coordinated efforts between the community and security agencies will finally bring an end to the illicit brew crisis that has long plagued the region.