Kenya Bureau of Standards officials have been accused of sleeping on their job and putting millions of Kenyans in danger for allowing substandard liquor in Uasin Gishu County.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Mr Abdi Mohamed Hassan said that there has been an increase in the sale of illegal liquor in the county noting that some of it has KBS diamond mark of quality.
“How can they certify an alcoholic brand without taking its samples to know if it’s fit for human consumption or not? How are these illegal businessmen in possession of the Kenya Bureau of Standards labels?" he wondered. Speaking in his office in Eldoret, Mohamed challenged KBS to take full responsibility of the reported deaths in the country due to the intake of illegal liquor. He accused them of laxity for failing to arrest the parties involved.
Mohamed warned residents of Uasin Gishu County against the sale and use of illegal liquor in the county.
“I have received shocking reports from my officers that the sale of cheap illegal liquor has found its way in Eldoret town specifically at the main stage carried out secretly. It is transported from other counties and consumed here by youths and innocent students thus endangering their lives,” he noted.
He said that although the county government banned the sale of some wines and spirits, the business is still going on. He warned students against its use.
“I am giving a warning to those involved in the illegal business of selling or distributing banned liquor to look for alternative businesses since we will be coming for you. If found guilty your licenses will be withdrawn,” he said.