Thika Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru has criticised the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) for increased substandard brews in Kiambu.
Gicheru said that most of the brewers have blamed Kebs for issuing standardisation marks to alcohol manufacturers even before they manufactured their products.
Gicheru, who was speaking at Thika town on Friday, said that in partnership with the county government, they will probe the industry and bring those involved in the heinous act to justice.
One of the brewers in Thika town who sought anonymity told the press that Kebs was to blame for the existence of sub standard alcohol in the market because they do not subject the brewers to any tests.
“The Kebs does not subject us to any tests on whether we are brewing the right alcohol but rather they leave us to decide what is good for the consumers,” he said.
Kebs officer John Kabue, however, denied the allegations claiming they have been conducting thorough search on those brewers who sell adulterated products in the market.
Kabue denied that the Kebs team is involved as alleged adding that if found to be true they will bring those involved to justice.
These claims come days after Kiambu County government officials discovered over 150 cartons of counterfeit alcohol which had expired. The drinks, whose expiry date was 2013, were discovered around Delmonte area following a tip-off from members of the public.
The alcohol is said to be part of that which caused the death of seven people in Thika. Other victims are still admitted at Thika Level Five hospital.