Government Reinstates Kirinyaga Chiefs Cleared in Toxic Brew Tragedy
At Rurii Primary School grounds during Mashujaa Day celebrations, reinstatement of Mutithi Chief Weston Muthike was met with deafening applause from the public.
Commissioner Hallosow also concurred that Chief Jeremiah Muriithi, interdicted just a few months to retirement, would be awarded all his arrears benefits in full. Photo/Johnson Muriithi
By Ruth Sang
The government recalled four assistant chiefs and chiefs from Kirinyaga County who were suspended in the early part of the year following the tragic loss of 17 people who perished after drinking deadly alcohol in February 2024. This was during Mashujaa Day celebrations that were held at Mwea.
Commissioner Hallosow confirmed the administrators’ return followed the completion of investigations, which cleared them of any ill.
They had been found not to be directly responsible for the incident, paving the way for their return to active duty.
“After thorough investigations, the government has resolved to reinstate the affected chiefs and assistant chiefs. They will continue serving their respective communities,” said Hallosow.
The prohibitions were made on February 17, 2024, by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the burial of the 17 victims who died upon consumption of the illicit drink at Kangai in Mwea West Sub-County. The declaration led to immediate arrests of a few administrators of the area and police officers deployed at Kiamaciri Police Station. The move, however, encountered resistance, with people insisting that the chiefs were unfairly implicated for enforcement system collapse.
They comprised Mutithi Location Chief Weston Muthike, Kathiga Location Chief Jeremiah Muriithi, Kianjogu Assistant Chief Peter Nyaga, and Kariko-ini Assistant Chief Samuel Kiarie. At the end of the investigation, the officers have since been cleared and reinstated to their work.
Commissioner Hallosow also concurred that Chief Jeremiah Muriithi, interdicted just a few months to retirement, would be awarded all his arrears benefits in full. He praised the reinstated administrators for their strong will and endurance during the suspension period, emphasizing the importance of fairness and due process in public service.
At Rurii Primary School grounds during Mashujaa Day celebrations, reinstatement of Mutithi Chief Weston Muthike was met with deafening applause from the public. In full government regalia, Muthike was officially re-introduced to the people, his complete reintroduction to office. The majority of attendees termed the event as vindication and justice for the local leaders.
The reinstatement ends an eight-month travail for the officers, who had been suspended and in limbo since then and under public scrutiny. It also makes a statement about grass-roots administration with a renewed sense of optimism, with the government reasserting its faith in treating civil servants justly and yet maintaining accountability.
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