MERU, Kenya — At least two people have died and five others are in critical condition after consuming suspected poisonous alcohol in Mutuati, Meru County, authorities said.
Police identified the first victim as James Mutembei, who was found dead at a shopping centre shortly after drinking the local brew, musengeri, at a nearby home on November 5.
Six others who had taken the same drink complained of severe headaches and loss of eyesight before being rushed to Mutuati Hospital.
The patients were later referred to Nyambene Level Four Hospital, where Kamenchu M’Mkinyeri, 70, succumbed while receiving treatment.
Police investigating the incident recovered 10 litres of the brew from the house where the group had gathered. The liquor was seized and forwarded to the Government Chemist for analysis to determine the type of poison involved.
“The bodies of the two men were taken to the mortuary pending autopsy and further investigation,” a police report noted.
The other five victims remain hospitalised in serious condition as authorities intensify a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and narcotics.
National Police Service spokesman Michael Muchiri said the operation against illegal alcohol production and drug trafficking would continue unabated.
“Our teams on the ground are doing a good job, and they will sustain the campaign,” Muchiri said, noting that thousands of litres of illegal alcohol have been destroyed in the past three months.
Officials said the intensified operations target both producers and distributors of toxic brews that have caused multiple deaths across the country in recent years. Police said several people have been arrested and charged, while others are being monitored for supplying narcotics and illegal alcohol.
In addition to brews, the crackdown has led to the seizure of thousands of rolls of bhang worth millions of shillings and the arrest of several suspected traffickers.
Authorities said the ongoing effort is part of a broader government initiative to dismantle supply chains and reduce substance abuse, which has devastated many families nationwide.
