The concerns come two years after more than 20 people died in Mwea West Sub-county in 2024 after consuming suspected illicit alcohol.
Speaking in different parts of the county, residents said the brews, sold under names such as Conga na Mwena, Kathuri Ngui, Kasongo, Mutua Mucii, Musonga na Rwengo, Mang’a, Kangai Kwigaca, Jambo and Koropa, are readily available and consumed by people of different ages and occupations.
A section of women interviewed blamed the widespread availability of the drinks for rising cases of family neglect and social hardship.
“Many men have become dirty and neglected their families,” one resident said.
Some consumers said the illicit alcohol remains popular because of its low price.
“With Ksh. 60 you can get intoxicated very quickly. We know it is harmful, but many people buy it because it is cheap,” said a resident of Gichugu.
Residents said the problem affects Gichugu, Mwea, Kirinyaga Central and Ndia sub-counties. One man who identified himself as a secondary school teacher said alcohol addiction is affecting people from different professions.
“I am a secondary school teacher and I consume this drink just like other villagers. I was born here,” he said during a public discussion in Njukiini, Gichugu.
Some residents alleged that part of the illicit alcohol is brought into Kirinyaga from neighbouring counties, while some is produced locally. These claims could not be independently verified.
Residents also called for stricter enforcement against the manufacture and sale of illicit alcohol, saying the increasing number of alcohol outlets in villages has made the problem more difficult to control.
“We are worried about the future of our children because illicit alcohol has become widespread. Addressing this problem requires the involvement of the entire community, as almost every family has been affected,” said a resident of Rupingazi.
In response to the growing concern, a veterans’ group in Mwea has launched a community campaign aimed at reducing alcohol abuse through dialogue and public awareness.
The group, led by Vice Chairman Steve Kariuki, said it would engage young people and others affected by alcohol abuse without resorting to violence.
“We will not use violence against those involved. Instead, we will engage them through dialogue and encourage them to change,” Kariuki said.
The campaign will begin in Kangai Ward before being rolled out to other parts of Kirinyaga County.
Speaking during this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Kirinyaga County National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Coordinator Catherine Kimui said the agency has expanded prevention and rehabilitation programmes targeting young people, churches, schools, health facilities, community-based rehabilitation centres and civil society organisations.
Kimui said the programmes are intended to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery efforts but acknowledged that illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and cannabis continue to pose a significant challenge in the county.
