The government has reinstated several chiefs and assistant chiefs in Kirinyaga County who were interdicted earlier this year following the tragic deaths of 17 people who consumed illegal alcohol in February 2024.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mwea, Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Hallosow confirmed that the officers had been cleared after the completion of government investigations into the incident.
The interdictions were initially ordered by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on February 17, 2024, during the burial of the victims in Kangai. The move led to the suspension of four local administrators and the arrest of several police officers attached to Kiamaciri Police Station in Mwea West Sub-County.
The officials affected by the directive included:
- Weston Muthike, Chief of Mutithi Location
- Jeremiah Muriithi, Chief of Kathiga Location
- Peter Nyaga, Assistant Chief of Kianjogu Sub-location
- Samuel Kiarie, Assistant Chief of Kariko-ini Sub-location
Residents at the time criticized the government’s decision, arguing that the administrators were being unfairly targeted instead of addressing broader enforcement failures related to illicit brews in the region.
Commissioner Hallosow further confirmed that Chief Muriithi, who was nearing retirement when he was interdicted, will receive all his pending benefits.
During the Mashujaa Day event held at Rurii Primary School grounds, Chief Weston Muthike was publicly celebrated and reintroduced to the community in full government uniform, symbolizing his official reinstatement.
