Kabando raises alarm over rising deaths linked to toxic brews in Mt Kenya
By Faith Lagat, July 19, 2025Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has raised concerns over the rising deaths linked to toxic illicit brews and suicides among young men in Central Kenya.
His remarks come as the region grapples with an escalating public health crisis, amid accusations that its political leadership has abandoned critical community priorities in favour of political rivalries.
In a series of posts on X on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Kabando criticised the Central Kenya Parliamentary Group (CKPG) for what he described as a shift from development-focused agendas to internal political battles. He urged leaders to refocus on issues affecting ordinary citizens.
“The Central Kenya Parliamentary Group had refined a manifesto. Flagship projects were highlighted. The war on illicit brews and dangerous drugs was scheduled and escalated. Coffee and other crop revitalisation key. Now we’re losing young men daily to suicides (mental illness) and toxic brews,” he said.
Kabando accused CKPG members of abandoning their commitment to fighting alcoholism and substance abuse. He cited the group’s previous focus on social and economic issues, including the war on illicit alcohol, agricultural reforms, and fostering national cohesion.
“The Central Kenya Parliamentary Group used to focus on fights against alcoholism, substance abuse, economic projects, ethnic integration, and national cohesion. The bar is so low now. Pledging loyalty to Ruto and fighting Rigathi Gachagua, refocus,” he wrote.
Toxic brews surge
Kabando’s warning echoes ongoing concerns about the prevalence of toxic brews in Central Kenya. Dangerous concoctions, such as Kaanga, are often laced with harmful chemicals, leading to organ failure, blindness, and death.
A 2021 study published in the European Journal of Environment and Public Health detailed similar issues in Meru County, a problem Kabando suggests is now rampant across the Mount Kenya region.
Despite government crackdowns, the sale of illicit alcohol continues, fuelled by poverty, addiction, and weak enforcement mechanisms.
Call for leaders to refocus
Kabando warned that while political disagreements are inevitable, they should not overshadow the urgent need to address alcoholism, mental health, and economic revitalisation. He criticised what he called the “Kenya Kwisha” politics—a phrase popularised during the 2022 elections to mock the Kenya Kwanza coalition—for distracting leaders from real issues.
“There is so much work deserving to be done that is undone. Refocus,” he urged, as his message gained traction online, sparking renewed debate over leadership priorities in Central Kenya.