NAIROBI - Waragi consumers in western Kenya are not bothered by the dangers of the sachet waragi banned by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) when 19 people died after drinking the substance.

A survey done in the Kenyan towns of Busia and Malaba indicates that most bars were stocked with Chief and Empire waragi, which are among the seven brands UNBS blacklisted.

The bar proprietors said most of their customers prefer Ugandan waragi to other brands. They wondered what would happen to their businesses if the Ugandan Government went ahead and banned all sachet-packed waragi.

The sachets are sold between Ksh25 to 30 while Viva, popular with school-going children, goes for Ksh5. Viva is said to be the main cause of school drop-outs in the border towns.

Consumers interviewed said they won't mind sacrificing their lives but will not stop drinking the gin.