Residents of Central Nyakach ward in Nyakach Sub-County have petitioned the government to address illicit brew crisis in Lake Victoria Basin, which they claim is ravaging the lives of young men and women, destabilising families and relationships.

During a peaceful protest following a recent tragedy in Pap Onditi in which a school bus collided with a motorbike, killing three people suspected have been high on bootleg liquor.

Locals accused security agents in the area of laxity in enforcing law to curb the rampant proliferation of illicit brew dens which has led to a spike in road accidents, criminal activities and loss of lives.

According to Abdalla Otieno, a resident: “The unchecked consumption of illegal alcohol has negatively impacted social life in the community. It has destroyed families as men and women abandon their parental and conjugal duties, leaving children without care,” he lamented.

Philip Oloo, a member of Citizen Voice and Action in Nyakach Sub-County, condemned the widespread sale of illicit alcohol especially in Nyalunya and Moro villages and called for swift government intervention.

“We have agreed with local administrators that this is a collective responsibility. We are committed to ensuring that all illicit brew dens should be closed down,” Oloo said at a press briefing.

Together with local chiefs, community members have already identified more than 37 dens operating in the area and demanded their immediate closure and the arrest of the operators.

They also called on the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to launch an awareness creation drive on the dangers of substance abuse.

Nyakach Deputy County Commissioner Job Anunda welcomed the petition, stressing the need for joint action between locals and security agents.

“Our initial focus will be Nyalunya and Omoro where the vice is rampant, setting an example for other areas,” Anunda said.

Nyakach Sub-County Police Commander Okumu Odullo told residents to cooperate with the police by identifying and reporting offenders.

“These perpetrators are your neighbours. Provide us with actionable intelligence and we will arrest them,” he emphasized.

Recently, Principal Secretary for National Administration in the Ministry of Interior Raymond Omollo ordered chiefs and their assistants in Nyakach to crackdown on illicit brew business.

“No society can thrive under the weight of illicit alcohol,” Dr Omollo noted. H sad that, for a community to witness significant development and growth, alcoholism and crime must be tamed.

He pointed out that the government has issued strong directives concerning the sale and consumption of illicit brews, urging individuals involved in the unlawful trade to find alternative ventures before the law catches up with them.

“We cannot tolerate illicit brews amongst us, all people brewing chang’aa (Nubian gin) must look for an alternative venture which has no devastating consequences to our children,” Omollo warned.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Robert Ojwang’

A section of residents of Central Nyakach Ward in Nyakach Sub-County during a peaceful protest over the rampant illicit brew crisis in the area. Photos by Robert Ojwang’

Residents of Central Nyakach Ward in Nyakach Sub-County during a meeting with Sub County Security heads at the Nyakach Deputy County Commissioner’s office. Photos by Robert Ojwang’