A man identified as James Nderitu denied charges of possessing illicit ethanol while residents of Eldama Ravine held protests at the local law courts on February 16, 2026.Â
Nderitu was charged with being in possession of 255 litres of suspected uncustomed ethanol, valued at approximately Sh612,000.
The substance was found packed in ten 25-litre jerricans.
The suspect pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Boaz Ombewa.
The court ordered Nderitu to be remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for February 18, 2026.Â
Residents led by Lucy Mitei and Lawrence Bomet demonstrated at the court, citing the devastating impact of illicit brews on the community:
Protesters claimed the brews have led to the closure of local schools and numerous deaths among the youth.
The community is calling for stiffer penalties for distributors and has urged NACADA to provide rehabilitation support for those affected.
By Anthony Solly
