John Muriithi Karaya alias ‘California’, a bar owner linked to the illicit liquor that reportedly killed 13 people in Kangai village, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, will be detained for 20 days.

The Baricho Law Courts on Wednesday, February 8, afternoon allowed a miscellaneous application by the prosecution seeking to hold Karaya for more days, to allow the police to conclude their investigations.

The bar owner will now be detained at Kiamaciri Police Station, until March 7, 2024 when the case will come up for mention.

It is alleged that the deceased persons lost their lives on 6th February, 2024, after consuming the suspected illicit brew from the said California Bar, an establishment owned by the suspect.

Angry residents of Kangai village on Wednesday, February 7 morning burnt down the bar after reports of the deaths.

Bar owner arrested 15 times

This comes even as it emerges that prior to this tragedy, Karaya had been arrested and presented to court 15 times, with the courts releasing him on all the occasions.

Central Regional Commissioner Frederick Shisia shifted blame to the courts, insisting that the deaths could have been avoided had the courts punished the owner of the bar selling the deadly liquor.

“It is very unfortunate that the perpetrator of what we are witnessing here has been to court more than 15 times, that tells you that there is something that is not happening right,” he rued.