Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has threatened to sack about 100 chiefs nationwide by Christmas for laxity in the fight against illicit brew consumption.

Speaking in Nandi County on Sunday, Gachagua said he will not let anyone ease up on the war to eradicate the illicit brew, especially now that the crackdown is bearing fruit.

He said those to be sacked will serve as a lesson to others across the country who have also slept on their duties.

"I don't want to fire chiefs but by this Christmas if the brew is still there I have to sack 10 to 15 chiefs from Nandi. It will be very painful for me. I love the chiefs but I love the young people more," he said.

"I want before Christmas I want to sack about 100 chiefs in the whole country they serve as a lesson to others."

The second in command urged the Nandi County Commissioner and others nationwide to include community elders and church leaders in the crackdown to rid the country of the menace that he claims has affected most Kenyan youth.

"We have to decide whether it is the chief or alcohol that goes home and since alcohol des not have a brain of its own the chief is the one to decide," he noted.

As of June this year, over 5,995 liquor joints nationwide had been closed down and 37,713 were cleared to continue operations.