Residents of Emesa Sub-location in Kenyenya Sub-county, Kisii County have raised alarm over the rising cases of the sale and consumption of illicit brew in the area.
The locals say the illegal alcohol trade has been spreading rapidly, especially among young people and school-going children.
They have appealed to the area chief and his assistants to act swiftly and curb the menace before it destroys more lives.
Residents noted that the effects of illicit alcohol are already visible in the community.
Cases of school dropouts, domestic violence, health complications, and loss of productivity have reportedly increased in recent months.
Many families are struggling to cope as breadwinners fall victim to addiction and related illnesses.
“We are worried that if nothing is done now, our children will have no future,” said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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“The brew is cheap and readily available, and that is why it is spreading fast,” the resident added.
Community members are now calling for regular patrols, crackdowns on brewers and sellers, and public awareness campaigns on the dangers of illicit alcohol.
They also urged the county government and security agencies to work together with local leaders to restore order and protect vulnerable groups.
The appeal follows reports that a local man allegedly withdrew his Form Three son and two other sons from school and involved them in the transportation and sale of the prohibited local brew.
Residents claimed that the man ventured into the business after his wife travelled abroad in search of work to support the family, but he allegedly turned to illicit alcohol trade instead.
They further alleged that, with the help of his sons who have since dropped out of school, the suspect buys chang’aa from Gionseri in neighbouring Nyamache Sub-county and transports it by boda boda at night for sale at Nyakomisaro Two in Boochi Borabu Ward.
The residents appealed to Kenyenya Sub-county Deputy Commissioner William Bet to put pressure on local administrators to intervene, accusing some chiefs of failing to address the situation.
By Our Reporter
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