Residents of Bosamaro village in Nyamira County have vehemently criticised the government's move to spearhead a crackdown on illicit brewers.
On Tuesday, several residents selected from at least seven villages in Boisamaro convened to discuss the ongoing crackdown on illicit brewers, arguing that the executors were using excessive powers against the locals.
They faulted the move by area provincial administration to pour local liquor and vowed to come up with counter strategies.
“We are really shocked that the operation is carried out mercilessly without respecting human rights. The government got this one wrong and they have inflicted a pain that will never be forgotten by us. They have even turned against 'busaa' that is a traditional brew in our society,” said Mr Cornelius Angwenyi.
They called upon the government to carry out expeditious investigations against possible violation of human rights besides urging the authorities to issue licenses to the brewers.
“We have been selling the liquor to people and no death or admission to hospital has ever been reported. We, therefore, want expeditious investigations against brutality by the chiefs against innocent locals. We are ready to be given licences because our brew is standard,” added Mr Nyabuto Mogire.
They threatened to lynch those executing the crackdown and vowed to rally against the unprecedented move to ban the traditional liquor.
“We aren’t promoting death and whoever is using perilous chemicals to make the liquor should be arrested. We will deal decisively against those who are beating our colleagues when executing the crackdown. We are ready to comply and operate like the bars,” said Mrs Agnes Mokeira.