This week five people have died and six others suffered severe health consequences after consuming illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga, a grim reminder of the persistent challenge posed by the illegal business, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region.

This incident underscores significant gaps in the enforcement and containment of illicit alcohol, raising questions about the effectiveness of renewed and existing measures to combat this menace.

Despite vocal directives from top leadership urging the police and provincial administrations to take action, it appears that these calls have fallen on deaf ears.

The complicity of corrupt law enforcement officials who reportedly accept bribes from illicit brewers further worsens the problem, undermining efforts to curb the illicit alcohol trade.

Recent surveys by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have revealed a disturbing trend, where many young men, including children as young as ten years-old have fallen victim of the trade in illicit brews laced with toxic substances.

There is urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to combat illicit alcohol and drug trade, coupled with stringent penalties for offenders.

It is distressing that in contemporary society, lives continue to be lost due to the callous actions of individuals profiting from the sale of dangerous substances.

The perpetrators behind the manufacture and distribution of such hazardous alcohol must face the full force of the law.

We can no longer stand aside and watch as more people are killed in the name of profit. It is time we end, once and for all, this unfortunate business of death.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show