Woman Sentenced for Two Years as Eldama Ravine Residents Protest Illicit Alcohol Trade
Demonstrators from Poror, Kiplombe, Kabimoi and Shauri took to the streets, accusing authorities of failing to decisively tackle the trade. They called for urgent intervention, including rehabilitation programmes for affected individuals and stricter action against suppliers
By : Mweru Mbugua
Tensions flared in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, on Monday as residents staged protests over the continued sale and consumption of illicit alcohol, which they say has devastated families and claimed lives across several villages.
Demonstrators from Poror, Kiplombe, Kabimoi and Shauri took to the streets, accusing authorities of failing to decisively tackle the trade. They called for urgent intervention, including rehabilitation programmes for affected individuals and stricter action against suppliers
“Nursery schools zimefungwa, our men wamemalizwa na hii pombe… we need NACADA to support rehabilitation,” said one resident, Lucy Mitei
Lawrence Bomet, another protester, expressed frustration over what he described as the community’s repeated loss of loved ones due to toxic brews allegedly distributed within the area
The protests coincided with the arraignment of a key suspect, James Nderitu, at the Eldama Ravine Law Courts. Nderitu was charged with possession of 255 litres of suspected uncustomed ethanol valued at Sh612,000. The ethanol, packed in ten 25-litre jerricans, was allegedly intended for illegal distribution. Prosecutors said the consignment would have attracted excise duty amounting to Sh452,880
He denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Boaz Ombewa, who ordered that he remain in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for February 18
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“We have a bail hearing the day after tomorrow… tarehe kumi na nane, kwa wakati huu utazuiliwa,” Ombewa ruled
In a separate case, Christina Kabon was charged with possession of 160 litres of busaa in contravention of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison, with the option of paying a Sh1 million fine
Authorities said the arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown targeting illicit brews and tax evasion in Koibatek Sub-County
Meanwhile, William Cheptumo called for stricter bond terms for suspects linked to illicit alcohol, arguing that lenient bail conditions were undermining enforcement efforts
