This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
On December 27, 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Kirinyaga county, where a 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly forcing a 2-year-old boy to drink beer during Christmas.
The young boy's life was feared to be in danger, prompting family members to rush him to the hospital for treatment. They also demanded the immediate arrest of the suspect, identified as Mercus Kinyua from Nyakio village.
According to local authorities, the area chief ordered the suspect's arrest after news of the incident spread throughout the village.
The suspect, Mercus Kinyua, is being held at the Nguka police station, awaiting arraignment in court.
Nguka location chief David Muriithi Gikunju has blamed the county government of Kirinyaga for licensing village bars, which he believes contributed to the incident. He also urged parents to take care of their children during the festive season, noting that the boy's father owns a bar that may have been a factor in the suspect's actions.
