Nacada chief executive Dr William Okedi. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA
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Nacada chief executive Dr William Okedi says alcohol-related deaths in various parts of the country were caused by methanol.
More than 100 people died a few months ago in Kiambu, Embu, Kitui, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Baringo and Murang’a after drinking poisonous drinks.
The anti-drugs agency and the Kenya Revenue Authority have resolved to restrict the importation of methanol in a bid to reduce the consumption of adulterated alcoholic drinks.
The National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) chief executive officer, Dr William Okedi said alcohol-related deaths in various parts of the country were caused by methanol.
“We have unanimously agreed with KRA and other government agencies that methanol, which caused most of the deaths, must be monitored from its importation to industrial use,” said Dr Okedi.
More than 100 people died a few months ago in Kiambu, Embu, Kitui, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Baringo and Murang’a after drinking poisonous drinks.
“We must know how much the industries import and how much was used and if there was a surplus, how it was disposed of,” the Nacada boss said at the weekend.
He was speaking at Egerton University, Njoro, after a meeting of government agencies, county representatives and top security agents in the South Rift aborted due to lack of quorum.
The meeting was to come up with a plan to stamp out the illicit liquor in the region.
More than 100 participants from the national and county government were expected at the forum, but only 20 officials showed up forcing the conveners to push the meeting to September 8.
“The fight against illicit brews is not a function of Nacada alone. That is why as conveners we have decided to call it off because we need a full house if we are to fight the menace at the grassroots,” said Dr Okedi.
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