illicit brews and drugs target school-going children Juja

Residents of Witeithie Estate in Juja have raised alarm over the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs to school-going children.
Locals claim unlicensed liquor dens are operating openly despite repeated complaints to authorities.
Security officials say a multi-agency team has been formed to crack down on the illegal trade.

By John Kamau

Residents of Witeithie Estate in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County, have raised alarm over the sale of second-generation alcohol, which they say has led to several deaths and exposed school-going children to dangerous substances.

The residents claim that uncontrolled and unlicensed liquor dens are openly selling outlawed brews to learners, including secondary school and university students.

“The liquor dens have mushroomed drastically in Witeithie over the past few months, but our main concern is the dangers they are exposing our children to. School children are being sold these substances in the dens, but nothing is being done despite raising the matter with authorities,” said resident Millicent Njoki.

Residents say at least three people have died after consuming the illicit brews, which are reportedly transported from areas including Kenol in Murang’a County.

Joseph Thuku, a local resident, said his younger brother was among those who died after becoming addicted to the cheap liquor.

“My brother died as a result of consuming these drinks, which are sold for between Sh25 and Sh30. I appeal to the government to take action and end this menace,” he said.

Thuku explained that his brother, George Chege, had been a successful small-scale trader who had even started constructing a Sh2 million house in Murang’a before his life was derailed by addiction.

“This led him to separate from his wife before he became ill and eventually died from liver failure,” he added.

Drugs and Contraband

Residents further claim that some of the illegal alcohol outlets operate around the clock and also serve as distribution points for drugs and other contraband substances.

According to locals, young men have been recruited to sell rolls of bhang from designated locations.

“You will see these young and visibly intoxicated youth around various wines and spirits outlets where customers come to pick up the drugs,” said one resident.

Parents expressed concern after observing that some of the customers frequenting the outlets appeared to be teenagers.

Allegations of Corruption

Villagers alleged that some local administrators and security officers have been compromised by operators of the illicit dens.

They claim the outlets continue operating openly despite repeated complaints from the public.

Residents also noted that many of the establishments function without licences while continuing to sell alcohol day and night.

Juja Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege confirmed that authorities had received complaints and said a multi-agency team had been established to address the issue.

“We are taking decisive action involving a multi-agency team. I do not want to divulge details of the operation because we do not want information leaked to the suspects,” said Ndege.

Licensed Traders Feel the Impact

Legitimate bar operators also complained that the illegal trade is hurting their businesses.

Juja bar operator Paul Karanja said many customers prefer the cheap illicit drinks despite the risks involved.

“Unfortunately, consumers of these brews are the ones who dictate terms. They do not care about the effects of the substances they consume; they simply want to get drunk,” he said.

According to Karanja, the situation has caused many licensed liquor businesses to suffer losses or close altogether.

Residents identified several notorious operators believed to be behind the illegal trade.

One suspect, known locally as “Bena,” has reportedly been arrested and prosecuted multiple times over illicit alcohol offences but continues to return to the business.

The matter has also drawn attention to the Kiambu County Government, which is responsible for licensing alcohol outlets.

Efforts to obtain a comment from county officials were unsuccessful.

The revelations come amid similar crackdowns in Murang’a County.

Recently, Dennis Muiruri Kamande was fined Sh9.2 million after being found guilty of offences related to the illegal manufacture of alcoholic products and possession of counterfeit excise stamps.

Resident Magistrate Renna Jakinda of Kenol Law Courts delivered the judgment on June 10, 2026, ordering the accused to pay the fine or serve four years in prison.