New Jerusalem Village in Githioro, Dundori Ward, Bahati Sub-County was originally called 'Mombasa Village'. The name 'Mombasa Village', according to locals, came about because of the high consumption of illicit brew.

It was so high that youth in the area were severely affected, including their ability to have children. Young people were also unable to get married as alcohol consumption had taken control of their lives.

Anthony Muya is one of the affected villagers whose lives have been destroyed by excessive consumption of the illegal brew.

Anthony Muya a resident of New Jerusalem village.

Photo credit: Pristone Mambili/Mtaa Wangu

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Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Mr Muya admits that he had become a zombie, leading to a separation from his wife. The now reformed youth says he came to his senses a year ago and decided to change his drinking habits.

"Illegal brew is what made me separate from my wife. I cannot go back to drinking," he said.

For his part, Daniel Ngure, a family man in the same village, says his life had become a mess.

Daniel Ngure a resident of New Jerusalem village.

Photo credit: Pristone Mambili/Mtaa Wangu

On several occasions, he tried to take his own life out of what he calls frustration after squandering all the money he had on alcohol.

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He admits that in his experience, drinking has no value in the lives of young people.

"I couldn't sleep without alcohol. My financial management was very bad," he says.

With illegal brewing rampant in the village, the pastors and the Nyumba Kumi cluster joined hands to put an end to it.

Through security operations and prayers for those involved, a number of notorious drunkards and even brewers have changed, some have been saved and are now in churches preaching the gospel.

Pastor Francis Wanjohi, who has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the negative effects of illicit brewing in the area, says as clergy they have decided to try and put an end to the problem.

This, he says, is key to transforming even families as many young people in the area are getting lost in alcoholism.

Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony, the clergyman says they have also decided to change the name of the village from Mombasa to 'New Jerusalem' - meaning rebirth.

"We are on the right track because we have decided as leaders in this area that there will be no more alcoholism because our families have been affected," he says.

Also Read: Man dies after consuming illicit brew in Bahati

Susan Wambui, who was a brewer in the village, has now reformed and decided to give up the business she has been in since she was 17, as her parents were also in the business.

Susan Wambui a reformed brewer of illicit alcohol.

Photo credit: Pristone Mambili/Mtaa Wangu

She now travels around the village sensitising people to the negative effects of alcoholism.

Wambui urges locals to stay away from the illicit brew, citing the many challenges she has faced, including the lack of tangible development despite making a lot of money.

"Alcohol has no use. I brewed for many years but the money I got seems to be cursed because there is no development I have done," she says.

Kennedy Muchiri Mburu, a Nyumba Kumi cluster leader, says they will continue to work with like-minded leaders to improve security in the area.

Kennedy Muchiri of Nyumba Kumi.

Photo credit: Pristone Mambili/Mtaa Wangu

The thanksgiving ceremony was attended by Assistant County Commissoner Mary Muthoni, Area Assistant Chief Kimani Ndung'u and former MCA Steve Kihara. The leaders called for rehabilitation centres to be established in the area.

pmambili@gmail.com

From Mombasa Village to New Jerusalem Village: Residents hope to vanquish demon of illicit brew with new village name

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Pristone Mambili