Protests Paralyse Town After Court Jails Busaa Vendor For TWO Years
Residents in areas of Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, flocked to the streets on Monday to protest what they characterized as authorities’ leniency in combating the sale and use of illicit alcohol, which they believe has ruined families and taken lives.
The protesters from Poror, Kiplombe, Kabimoi, and Shauri villages said the trade had caused devastation in their communities, with some seeking for rehabilitation assistance and stricter punishment against suppliers.
“Nursery schools zimefungwa, our men wamemalizwa na hii pombe… we need NACADA to support rehabilitation,” said one resident, Lucy Mitei.
Residents of Eldama Ravine staged peaceful protests after at least ten deaths in three months were linked to illicit liquor consumption.#KTNPrime pic.twitter.com/pyp6N58rTU
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) February 16, 2026
Another resident, Lawrence Bomet, stated that the community was tired of burying loved ones and accused traders of selling hazardous brews to surrounding villages.
The protests occurred as James Nderitu, a man believed to be a key suspect in the crackdown, was brought before the Eldama Ravine law courts.
Nderitu was charged with possessing 255 litres of suspected uncustomed ethanol worth Sh612,000, packaged in ten 25-litre jerricans and reportedly meant for illegal distribution.
Prosecutors stated the consignment would have incurred excise duty of Sh452,880.
He disputed the charges before Chief Magistrate Boaz Ombewa, who ordered his detention while the court awaits a bail hearing planned for February 18.
“We have a bail hearing the day after tomorrow… tarehe kumi na nane, kwa wakati huu utazuiliwa,” Ombewa said.
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In a related case, Christina Kabon was accused of possessing 160 litres of busaa in violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
Kabon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison, with an option of paying a Sh1 million fine.
Authorities said the arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown targeting illicit brews and tax evasion in parts of Koibatek Sub-County.
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo (or “Cheburet Chemitei” if that’s the correct name from the clip) called for tougher bond terms for suspects linked to illicit alcohol, arguing that low bail amounts were undermining enforcement efforts.
Protests Paralyse Town After Court Jails Busaa Vendor For TWO Years
