Freed on Bond, Back to Brewing: The Deadly Cycle of Illegal Brewers in Eldama Ravine

More than ten young people have died in Poror village, Eldama Ravine, after consuming toxic, ethanol-laced brews over the past year, devastating families and unsettling the community.

Kelvin Kipkurui, 27, is one of the many victims. After battling addiction, he was discharged from hospital with instructions to abstain from alcohol. Despite this, he relapsed, and days later, he died after coughing up blood. His aunt, Alice Toroitich, reflected the grief of many in the village: "In normal circumstances, children bury parents. Here in Poror, parents bury children."

Kelvin's death is part of a wider pattern of similar tragedies. Justus Kiptoo, a father of eight, also died from suspected poisoned alcohol, as did teacher Mark Chumba, whose addiction led him to borrow heavily to fund his drinking. Chumba, frail and often hospitalised, is just one of many people whose lives have been upended by substance abuse.

In response to the growing crisis, Reverend Lawrence Bomet has established the Upendo Fellowship, a church dedicated to supporting alcoholics and drug users. While the initiative provides counselling and shelter, it is often overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. “Suspects are arrested, released on bond and continue to sell poisoned alcohol,” Bomet said, highlighting the difficulties in tackling the issue.

Court records show that some individuals involved in the illicit alcohol trade have been repeatedly arrested and acquitted. James Nderitu Karemi, for example, was accused of possessing 255 litres of unlicenced ethanol but has faced multiple cases since 2018, most of which have ended without conviction. 

Similarly, Christina Kabon Ruto, who was sentenced for possession of busaa, has a history of repeat offences. Locals allege that influential figures protect offenders, allowing them to resume their operations shortly after being arrested.

Authorities recognise the challenge posed by sophisticated brewing networks, with some homes fortified and equipped with CCTV. In some cases, suspects even dispose of evidence during raids. The issue is compounded by poverty, crime, and a sense of hopelessness among youth who see drinking dens as their only refuge.

National statistics from NACADA reveal that 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15-65 use at least one substance, with alcohol being the most prevalent. Early alcohol initiation is common, with children as young as seven starting to drink. Of those who consume alcohol, 42 per cent are classified as addicted. 

In response, the government introduced a new National Policy in June 2025, raising the legal drinking age to 21 and restricting alcohol sales near schools and religious sites. However, for communities like Poror, such measures seem remote. As funerals continue to mount and families struggle to cope, poisoned alcohol remains an ongoing threat. 

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo has called for stricter penalties, stressing, “We cannot lose a generation to poisoned alcohol. Stricter penalties are long overdue.”