The government has reinstated four chiefs and assistant chiefs in Kirinyaga County who were interdicted earlier this year following the tragic deaths of 17 people who consumed illicit alcohol in Kangai, Mwea West Sub-County.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Rurii Primary School grounds in Mwea, County Commissioner Hussein Hallosow said the administrators were cleared after a government investigation found no direct wrongdoing on their part.
“The investigations are complete, and the officers have been reinstated to continue serving the public,” Hallosow announced.
The affected officers include Mutithi Location Chief Weston Muthike, Kathiga Location Chief Jeremiah Muriithi, and assistant chiefs Peter Nyaga of Kianjogu Sub-Location and Samuel Kiarie of Kariko-ini Sub-Location.
Their suspension was ordered on February 17, 2024, by then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during the burial of the victims who perished after consuming the toxic brew. At the time, police officers from Kiamaciri Police Station were also arrested as part of a broader crackdown on illegal alcohol.
The interdiction drew mixed reactions, with some residents criticizing the move as unfair, claiming the administrators were being scapegoated for failures in broader enforcement mechanisms.
During the Mashujaa Day event, Chief Muthike, who had been among those suspended, was publicly recognized and celebrated as he was reintroduced to residents in full government uniform.
Commissioner Hallosow further revealed that Chief Muriithi, who had been interdicted just months before his retirement, would now receive his full benefits.
“The government has decided to compensate Chief Muriithi accordingly and restore his honor as a long-serving public officer,” Hallosow said.
