A sombre mood has engulfed Noonkpoir Estate in Kitengela, Kajiado County, following the deaths of at least three people in the past four days. The victims are said to have consumed the brew in the Migingo area on Monday, September 21, 2026. Residents are now calling on authorities to crack down on outlets suspected of selling illicit alcohol. The community is in shock, with many expressing concern over the growing problem of illicit alcohol in the area.
Among those who died was James Maina Nguru, 40, a mason and father of three. His widow, Christine Mukeira, said her husband died after returning home from a drinking spree with friends. Nguru came home at about 8 pm complaining of severe stomach pain after spending the evening drinking at a pub in the neighbourhood. Mukeira said her husband had developed a habit of drinking after work and had become dependent on alcohol.
Nguru's elderly mother, Mary Muthoni Nguru, said the death had left the family devastated. Muthoni, who moved with her young family from Eldoret to Kitengela during the 1997 post-election violence, said she had raised her children as a widow after losing her husband years ago. She appealed to the Government to take action against traders who continue selling dangerous alcohol to unsuspecting residents.
Another victim, Godfrey Simiyu Kiliswa, 55, a casual labourer, died on Tuesday morning after spending the night in pain. His widow, Lynette Sirengo, 45, said her husband had spent much of the previous evening drinking with friends before he was found unconscious by the roadside near a popular illicit brew outlet. The family is making arrangements for his burial in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
A third victim, Elisha Okello, a plumber, died on Wednesday evening after returning home drunk and falling at the doorstep. His neighbour, Rahab Njeri, said Okello failed to enter his house and later died. Police officers collected his body and took it to the Kitengela Sub-County Hospital mortuary. The deaths have heightened concern among residents, who are now demanding urgent action against outlets suspected of selling illicit alcohol.
Residents accused security agencies of failing to adequately enforce the law against illicit alcohol establishments, with some alleging that certain pub operators enjoy protection from authorities. They claimed that officers attached to the nearby Sameri Police Post had failed to address the growing problem despite the reported presence of illicit brew outlets in the area. The allegations against security officers and alcohol traders could not be independently verified.
The latest deaths have renewed calls from residents for authorities to investigate the source of the alcohol, establish what caused the deaths and take action against anyone found to have violated the law. Concern has also been raised over the welfare of people still consuming the suspected brew, with one resident found heavily intoxicated at around midday. Authorities are yet to comment on the incident.
Key points
- - At least three people have died in Kitengela after allegedly consuming illicit alcohol. - Residents are calling on authorities to crack down on outlets suspected of selling illicit alcohol. - The deaths have renewed calls for authorities to investigate the source of the alcohol and take action against those responsible.
