What began as an ordinary day in this quiet village of Kangai turned into one of the darkest chapters in Kirinyaga’s recent history. In 2023, Kangai was thrust into national headlines after a deadly batch of illicit alcohol claimed dozens of lives leaving families shattered, survivors blinded and a community searching for answers. For residents, the tragedy was not just another statistic in Kenya’s long battle with illicit brews, it was personal, painful and unforgettable.
A Drink That Became a Death Sentence
The victims had gathered at local drinking spots, some seeking a brief escape from the hardships of daily life. Unbeknown to them, the alcohol they consumed was toxic. Within hours, panic spread across Kangai and neighbouring villages as drinkers began collapsing, vomiting, losing consciousness and complaining of blurred vision. Hospitals in Kirinyaga were soon overwhelmed. Some victims never made it to medical facilities. Others arrived too late. By the time authorities intervened, at least 25 people had lost their lives while several others were left fighting for survival. Some permanently lost their eyesight due to severe poisoning believed to be linked to toxic substances such as methanol.
Families Wiped Out, Futures Destroyed
Behind every death was a grieving family. In one particularly heartbreaking case, seven members of the same family died after consuming the lethal brew. Breadwinners were lost. Children were orphaned. Parents buried their sons. “What hurts the most is that they did not know they were drinking poison,” said a Kangai resident. “They trusted what was being sold.” The tragedy exposed the hidden cost of illicit alcohol. Not just death, but the long-term suffering of survivors who must now live with blindness, neurological damage and trauma.
Disturbing Questions and Troubling Allegations
As investigations unfolded, disturbing allegations emerged. Reports suggested that the deadly alcohol may have been previously confiscated illicit liquor, stored as police exhibits, only to find its way back into the market through corrupt channels. Claims that rogue officers sold the seized brew back to traders ignited public outrage and raised serious concerns about accountability within law enforcement and regulatory systems. While investigations were launched and arrests made, many residents felt justice was slow and uncertain. “Who allowed poison back into the community?” became the question echoing through Kangai.
Bars Closed, Licences Cancelled
In response to the tragedy, the Kirinyaga County Government ordered the closure of all bars and alcohol outlets suspending licences pending fresh vetting. Some establishments implicated in the incident were found to be operating illegally or without proper authorization. County leaders launched campaigns urging residents to report illicit alcohol dens while public health officials warned citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they had consumed suspicious drinks. New legislation, the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2023 was introduced to strengthen regulation and enforcement. Yet for many, the measures came too late.
A Community That Refuses to Forget
Three years later, Kangai still bears the scars. In January 2026, Kelvin Irungu, a resident who lost seven family members in the tragedy undertook a powerful and symbolic act of remembrance. He held onto a tree near Calabash Hotel in Kagio for 72 hours, a silent vigil meant to honour the lives lost and remind authorities and the public that the victims must never be forgotten. His act drew attention not only to the tragedy but also to the unresolved pain still haunting families. “This is not about alcohol alone,” he said. “It is about lives that mattered.”
A National Problem, A Local Pain
The Kangai tragedy is a grim reminder of Kenya’s ongoing struggle with illicit and counterfeit alcohol. A problem that disproportionately affects low-income communities. Despite repeated crackdowns, toxic brews continue to resurface often with fatal consequences. Experts argue that enforcement alone is not enough. Poverty, unemployment, corruption and weak oversight continue to fuel the deadly trade.
Never Again Or So It Was Said
As Kangai slowly rebuilds, one lesson remains painfully clear: illicit alcohol kills silently, swiftly and mercilessly. Yet, even after the funerals, the laws and the promises, the deadly brew is quietly finding its way back into the community. For families who buried their loved ones, justice is not only about arrests and legislation, it is about sustained prevention, accountability and vigilance. The tragedy of Kangai is a reminder that when enforcement weakens and silence returns, danger follows. The names of the victims may fade from national headlines, but in Kangai, their memory endures etched into graves, broken homes and the uneasy fear that the poison which once devastated the village may be returning.