Illicit Alcohol Tragedy Returns to Makueni as Two Men Die After Drinking Jambo Ice

Fresh concerns over the sale of suspected toxic alcohol have emerged in Kathonzweni, Makueni County, following the deaths of two men who allegedly consumed an alcoholic drink believed to have been contaminated with harmful chemicals. The incident has reignited fears over the resurgence of illicit alcohol in the region, with residents calling for swift government action to prevent further loss of life.

The two victims, identified as Peter Mwalili, popularly known as Ancoo, and Josephat Kialo, reportedly died after drinking Jambo Ice, an alcoholic beverage said to retail at KSh200 for a 750ml bottle, at a local entertainment joint in Kathonzweni town. Their deaths have shocked residents and renewed concerns over the safety and regulation of alcoholic drinks sold in the area.

One grieving family recalled the final moments of 30-year-old Josephat Kialo, who died on February 7, 2026, after reportedly consuming two bottles of the drink. According to his mother, her son returned home complaining of severe pain that spread from his stomach to his chest before collapsing.

She said Kialo initially appeared normal before his condition deteriorated rapidly. As she prepared a meal for him, he reportedly began singing before becoming weak and eventually losing consciousness. When she checked on him, she found that he was unresponsive and struggling to breathe, prompting desperate attempts by family members and neighbours to rush him to hospital. Unfortunately, he died before receiving treatment.

Another victim, Peter Mwalili, was reportedly found in critical condition at his residence after spending time drinking at a local club. Family members described finding him unable to speak or open his eyes before he was rushed to hospital, where he later died.

The deaths have left families devastated and demanding answers from authorities. Relatives say they have yet to receive toxicology results from samples collected during postmortem examinations, despite months having passed since the incidents.

According to the families, pathologists collected stomach samples and suspected alcohol residues during the postmortem process for laboratory analysis at the Government Chemist. However, they say the findings have not yet been released, leaving uncertainty over the exact cause of death.

The incidents have triggered investigations involving the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), police officers, and officials from the Makueni County Government. Their joint operation led to the closure of the bar where the alcohol was allegedly consumed, the suspension of its operating licence, and the seizure of several alcoholic products for further forensic examination.

Investigators reportedly encountered difficulties tracing the origin of the suspected alcohol after discovering inconsistencies in the packaging. Officials noted that multiple consignments carried identical batch numbers, while some drinks appeared to have been repackaged in bottles belonging to other manufacturers, raising concerns about possible counterfeiting and illegal distribution.

The tragedy has revived painful memories of the 2014 Kathonzweni illicit alcohol disaster, when more than 20 people lost their lives after consuming contaminated alcohol. Residents now fear history may be repeating itself and are urging security agencies and regulatory authorities to intensify surveillance and crack down on the manufacture and distribution of illicit brews.

Local leaders and affected families have called on NACADA, the police, and public health officials to fast-track investigations and publicly disclose the laboratory findings to establish whether the alcohol was contaminated and identify those responsible.

The owner of the bar where the victims allegedly consumed the drinks has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the alcohol sold at the premises was legally sourced and rejecting claims that it was responsible for the deaths.

Authorities say investigations remain ongoing as forensic tests continue to determine the exact cause of the fatalities and whether criminal charges will be pursued against those found responsible.