Wines and spirits shops dot nearly every corner of Silibwet trading centre, a vibrant township in Bomet Central.
After a hard day's work on their farms, locals regularly retreat to the centre to quench their thirst—not with water, but with alcohol. The rampant habit has fuelled an explosive, out-of-control local liquor trade.
Shop after shop across this tea-growing sub-county operates as a wines and spirits outlet. Many feature flickering disco lights and high-decibel music systems designed to entice customers, tightening alcohol's grip on residents trapped by addiction.
Local enforcement efforts appear increasingly compromised. According to resident David Langat, officers from the Silibwet Police Station have become virtually powerless.
"Officers on patrol are routinely offered free drinks to turn a blind eye to illegal trade. Over time, that habit has mutated into full-blown addiction, leaving the officers themselves victimized," Langat said.
The crisis has taken a severe toll on the area's workforce. Young people who were once productive farm laborers can now barely stay sober.
"Our youth spend hours upon hours drinking in these shops. Some stay away from their families for days at a time due to chronic drunkenness," noted resident Jane Rono.
The public outcry reached a boiling point during a recent empowerment forum in Silibwet, where irate residents confronted Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Demanding immediate action, locals urged him to order County Police Commander Joel Jebii to crack down on the widespread sale of illicit brews and second-generation alcohol.
In response, CS Murkomen issued a strict two-week ultimatum to law enforcement to clear the trading centre and surrounding towns of all illicit liquor.
"Where is the County Police Commander? I am giving you two weeks to clear out all illicit brews and second-generation alcohol," Murkomen directed, emphasizing that operations must begin immediately.
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