A section of Kiambu town residents have lauded the move by the Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho to sack two chiefs and their assistants who were said to be abetting illicit brew trade.

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Speaking on Sunday, the locals said that some chiefs were behind cases of illicit brewing.

“The Interior PS did the right thing by sacking the chiefs and their assistants for allegedly protecting illicit brews,” he said, adding that it is true that some chiefs could be working with the brewers.

“We know that some of the illicit brew dens are operated by chiefs and our appeal to the government is to investigate and crack the whip on them,” said Peter Kuria, a resident.

Mr Kuria said that some of the illicit dens that had been closed following the intensive crackdown last year were allegedly being operated secretively.

“We know that some dens are operating secretly and are being supervised by people who are supposed to be fighting them,” he alleged.

The locals appealed to the government to vet the chiefs and their assistants to ensure that they do not engage in illicit brews trade and other criminal activities.

“The best thing the government needs to do is to vet all chiefs to ensure their integrity is not questionable,” said Maina.

On Wednesday last week while touring Kiambu, Interior PS sacked two chiefs and their assistants who he said were allegedly abetting illicit brewers.

The Interior PS warned that the government will not tolerate illicit brewers. He urged residents to report people they suspect are engaging in illicit brew trade.

Illicit brew and trade has been cited as the main problem facing some parts of Kiambu County.

Last year the government intensified crackdown on illicit makers and sellers that saw thousands of liters of brews destroyed with some suspects being arrested and charged in court.

However there have been claims that the illicit brew trade was re-emerging in some parts of the county.

County governor William Kabogo has on several occasions asked law enforcers to ensure illicit brews are not re-introduced in the county.