Mavoko assistant chief Cosmas Musyoki (L) and chief Nzau Komo pour illicit brew confiscated from a residential house.[Photo/MAUGO OWITI]
Illicit brew suspected to belong to a local trader has been impounded in Athi River, Machakos County.
The 520 liters of ‘miti ni dawa’ local brew was impounded at a residential house turned store in Kasaa Kangi Village in Mavoko location on Tuesday.
The two drums consignments of 300 and 220 liters each of the illicit liquor were discovered and confiscated in an operation conducted by Mavoko chief Nzau Komo and his assistant Cosmas Musyoki.
Komo addressed the press at the scene during the operations.
The duo was assisted by the locals to pour the brew from both drums.
Komo said the brew’s owner was a resident and trader in neighboring location away from his ‘Mavoko location.’
“We are aware the woman who owns the illicit brew is neither a resident nor does business in Mavoko location, she operates away from the location but uses the house as a store for her illicit brew,” said Komo.
Komo said they were tipped about the alcohol by residents who complained of the stench which emanated from the iron sheets structured single room turned store.
He said residents gave them the suspect’s number which they called but she refused to get to the scene, evading arrest.
Komo said they broke into the room to access the consignment since its door was locked using two padlocks.
The chief said they had reduced illicit brew to the minimum in Mavoko location.
“We have reduced illicit alcohol to the minimum in this location, we suspect this was just a store for the consignment,” said Komo.
Komo said they suspected the alcohol was brewed, sold and consumed outside Mavoko.
He said residents should be on the lookout so that criminals do not live or trade in their midst.
“Residents should report to security agencies of any suspected criminals in their neighborhoods or those living amongst them, they should embrace nyumba kumi. Know your neighbors and what they do to earn livelihoods,” said Komo.
Komo said criminals days were numbered in Mavoko.
He said they will not relent on the fight against illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse until they are eliminated from the location and its neighborhoods.
Komo said those involved in illicit trade should get other legitimate businesses to deal in or move out of Mavoko before long arm of the law catches up with them.