MARSABIT YOUTHS RAISE ALARM OVER ILLICIT ALCOHOL

By Samuel Kosgei

Youths in Marsabit County have raised concerns over the presence of illicit alcohol, claiming that it has contributed to the deaths of several young people in the area.

The youths, led by Marsabit resident John Gutano, claim that five young people have died over the past four months after allegedly consuming a dangerous alcoholic drink suspected to contain poisonous substances.

The deaths are reported to have occurred in the Manyatta Makaa area, on the outskirts of Marsabit town.

Gutano says that although the ongoing 100-day operation against illicit alcohol and drugs is still underway, more action is needed to ensure that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of the drink face legal action.

“We have lost a boy named “Never Die”, and not just him, in a span of four months I think we have lost more than five young individuals.Very young and very promising,’’ said John Gutano.

Another youth, John Anwar, claims that some young people who consume the illicit alcohol have been vomiting blood.

“Some of the youths who consume this illicit alcohol have been vomiting blood. We suspect that this could be caused by dangerous chemicals used in making the drink,” said John Anwar.

The youths are now calling on the Township Chief and security officers to intensify operations against illicit alcohol in order to end what they describe as a threat to the lives of young people.

They warn that if urgent action is not taken, they may resort to taking the law into their own hands.

The youths further claim that some manufacturers of the illicit alcohol have been evading raids conducted by security officers.

“We are calling on the Township Chief and security officers to intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol before the situation gets out of hand,” the youths said.

The youths made the remarks on Monday after attending the burial of one of their colleagues, who allegedly died after consuming illicit alcohol on the outskirts of Marsabit town on Sunday.