Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has said six people admitted to hospitals in the county with alcohol withdrawal symptoms have died.
The governor said the six were among 18 people admitted to different hospitals in the county since Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost the six, but efforts are being made to save those admitted in 14 Level Four and Five hospitals,” he said in Thika after destroying a consignment of alcohol at the Kang’oki dumpsite.
Three of the victims died at Ruiru Hospital, and the others at Thika Level 5, Kihara and Tigoni hospitals.
Mr Kabogo said his government would issue licenses only to brewers cleared by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
“The fight continues and there is no room for illicit brews in Kiambu,” he said.
Earlier, Kiambu County Director for Clinical Services Jacob Toro said rehabilitation centres had been set up for alcohol addicts following the crackdown on low-priced, high-alcohol spirits.
He said a hotline (0711264000) had also been established for those seeking help for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
He said symptoms of withdrawal include shaking, sweating, delusions, confusion, aggressiveness, fever, fits and convulsions.
