At least 26 die after drinking illicit alcohol in Kenya

[News_Editor]

At least 26 die after drinking illicit alcohol in Kenya

2011-09-15 01:47:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

NAIROBI (BNO NEWS) -- At least 26 people have died in several parts of Kenya this week after consuming illicit alcohol with extreme levels of methanol, local media reported on Wednesday.

Radio Citizen reported that the death toll has risen to at least seven in Ruiru, a town near the capital of Nairobi, while nineteen others have died in the towns of Ol Kalou in Central Province and Nyahururu in Rift Valley Province. Several people remain hospitalized, including some who have been blinded.

Police said the victims drank from bottles of illegal alcohol known as Yokozuna, which contained fatal levels of methanol. Officials fear the death toll could still rise and have urged people to avoid drinking any illegal alcohol.

"We shall organize a massive swoop on the local depots and bars in the affected towns to get rid of the illegal spirits circulating in our jurisdictional areas," Nyahururu District Commissioner Lucy Mulili was quoted as saying by the Africa Review, which is owned by Kenya's Nation Media Group.

According to The Standard newspaper, police have arrested at least nine suspects who are believed to have manufactured the illegal brew. The newspaper said among those arrested was a prominent local businessman, but gave no other details.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-15

[wellred]

Used to have some family in Nairobi years ago but around the early 90's that place went down the shitter big time. I remember one story my uncle telling me, he was driving along a road and there were a few cars blocking the road ahead. He got out to see what was the hold up and these 2 guys had a bit pot of blood, they said it was infected with all sorts of shit and unless he gave up his money they would throw it all over him.

Would never go back there now. Was actually just reading today about a Finance Director from over here who was killed there on the weekend and his wife kidnapped. Dodgey as fk now that place is.