Four people are being treated for serious burns after a chang’aa distillation tank exploded in a quiet village in Kericho County.
The blast rocked Ngirimori village in Kipkelion West on Monday evening, leaving locals shaken and reigniting debate over the rise of illegal alcohol production.
The victims, all adults, were rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital with burns ranging from minor to severe. Hospital officials say two of the injured sustained burns on over 30 percent of their bodies.
“They’re stable and receiving treatment,” said Joel Tanui, the hospital’s Nursing Services Manager. “We are closely monitoring their recovery.”
According to police, the victims were near the illicit distillation site when the explosion occurred. Officers said initial reports point to a fire ignited by a nearby open flame, which may have triggered the blast.
Two of the injured, Mercy Cherono and Irene Oduor, were warming themselves near the brewing tank due to the cold weather.
“We saw a fire near the distillery and moved closer,” Cherono told Citizen Digital from her hospital bed. “Then everything exploded.”
John Kariuki, whose brother was among the injured, confirmed that the two women were casual workers at the site. He blamed the widespread availability of chang’aa for the growing number of accidents and for fuelling youth addiction.
“This brew is destroying lives,” he said. “And nothing seems to be stopping it.”
Residents say the tragedy was waiting to happen. For years, they’ve raised concerns about illegal brewing in the area—with little response from authorities.
“We’ve reported this so many times,” said Ruth Wacuka, a resident. “But it’s like no one’s listening.”
Another villager, Stephen Mburu, went further. He accused local officials of turning a blind eye in exchange for bribes.
“They’re being paid to look the other way,” Mburu claimed. “That’s why this business continues, even when it’s hurting our community.”
Local police have yet to comment on these allegations. However, they confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.
Chang’aa, a cheap and potent homemade spirit, remains banned under Kenyan law unless legally licensed. But in many parts of the country, production and consumption continue in secret—often with deadly consequences.
As the four victims fight to recover, villagers are once again calling on the government to crack down on illegal alcohol. For many in Ngirimori, Monday’s explosion was more than a freak accident—it was a symptom of a much deeper crisis.
