Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kenyan politician demonstrates exactly how not to destroy 10 tonnes of illegal alcohol

Follows national crackdown on the sale of illegal alcohol

Rose Troup Buchanan
Friday 10 July 2015 12:28 BST
Comments
Kiambu governor William Kabogo was forced into an unseemly scramble away from the fire
Kiambu governor William Kabogo was forced into an unseemly scramble away from the fire (via YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Kenyan governor has demonstrated to the world how not to destroy 10 tonnes of illegal alcohol.

Kiambu governor William Kabogo was overseeing the destruction of 10 tonnes of illegal beer – surrounded by press and staff – when his plan literally blew up in his face.

Mr Kabago and his staff were forced into an undignified scrabble away from the highly flammable substances after the governor used a flaming torch to destroy the confiscated stash at Kang’oki rubbish tip, KTN Kenya reported.

Meanwhile, the sign language translator - presumably watching the entire clip - appears nonplussed by the explosion and barely reacts.

it follows a crackdown by the Kenyan government on the distribution and sale of illegal spirits. Many people in the central counties cannot afford commercial alcohol so turn to bootleggers instead.

Earlier this month six people in Mr Kabogo’s southern county died after drinking what is sometimes referred to as the “killer brew” and which can be laced with methanol. Last year as many as 70 people died from consuming the dangerous home brews, the BBC reported.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in