Seven major alcohol manufacturing companies in Thika were on Saturday destroyed in a move aimed at ending the illicit brew menace in the area.
Led by Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, youths from Kiandutu and Majengo and their MCAs moved around the area revealing all the dens known for selling the brews.
Led by Thika Assistant County Commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru, Thika OCPD and Deputy Administration Police Commander (DAPC) Francis Muthamia and Samuel Ombonya respectively, the residents stormed Munene Industries, which is a major storage area as they have numerous warehouses.
During the raid, over 55,000 cartons of wines and spirits were netted and destroyed outside the premises. Company managers witnessed the destruction which evoked various reactions from them.
The youths were relentless and each time they were forced to break into the companies premises as the managers and guards were not willing to open the gates and stores where alcohol was hidden.
The famous Vine Park in Umoja slums saw machines worth millions burnt causing the company workers to start fighting the police by throwing bottles at them.
During the raids, two youths were severely injured and left with bullets wounds. Allegedly, one of the alcohol manufacturing company owner engaged the police in a shootout.
The incident occurred when the youths stormed his company and forced their way into the stores and production area and burnt down everything from the raw material, chemicals and alcohol packed ready for sale thus raising his emotions from the scene.
He started shooting at everyone before the OCPD and other officers engaged him as they made sure the public were safe from the irate manufacturer.
The two youths were among the 60 that were accompanying Thika MP and they were hospitalised at Thika Level Five Hospital.
The police, according to OCPD Francis Muthamia, apprehended the company owner and he will be arraigned in court.
Ng’ang’a condemned the incident and vowed to move on with the raid despite threats from the ‘big fish’ in the alcohol industry.
Alcohol estimated at over Sh180 million was destroyed in Thika on Saturday only.
Ng’ang’a has sworn to continue with the campaign.