Local manufacturers of spirits have moved to court to sue the government over the massive losses they’ve incurred following the recent crackdown on illicit brew on president Uhuru’s directive.

The Spirit Manufacturers Association argued that the products manufactured by the members of the petitioner are regularly inspected and certified fit for human consumption by competent public bodies before licenses are issued.

They are specifically suing Attorney General Githu Muigai, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu.

They have through their lawyer Kabugu Muguku, told the court that they have lost massive investments due to “looting” under the watch of law enforcement agencies.

“The inaction and deliberate impotence of the law enforcement agencies points to tactic approval of the unconventional and unfortunate means of enforcement through looting mobs,” Mr Muguku said.

“It amounts to unlawful countenance of lawlessness and is a clear abdication of duty to uphold, protect and promote the rule of law by the law enforcement agencies,” he said.

“The pronouncements by the President have exacerbated the situation and led to increased raiding of licensed retail and wholesale outlets in Kiambu and Central region.

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared war on illegally-brewed alcohol (Merchants of Death) and ordered MPs to crack down on establishments trading the killer brews.

“Every MP should meet with their county (police) commander and come up with a strategic plan on how they will go door to door to bring the illicit trade to an end,” he asserted.

However, the four-day police campaign against illegal brews, which kicked off last Friday in Nairobi and Central Kenya, has seen decent liquor outlets, raided and stock looted.

KIAMBU GOVERNOR REVOKES LICENCES FOR WINES AND SPIRITS SHOPS

Last week Governor William Kabogo revoked licenses for all wines and spirits shops dealing in second generation liquor products in Kiambu County as Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu led a group of youths over the weekend in raiding illegal wines and spirits kiosks.

The wines and spirits business is considered a cash cow for traders thanks to Kenyans’ big appetite for the “bottle “shops but following the crackdown, all outlets in Nairobi and Central Kenya remain closed and traders are counting their losses already.