http://www.standardmedia...ter+drinking+chang%27aa
By Kenan Miruka
There was drama at a village in Nyamache District when a cow died after consuming a mixture used in the distilling of chang'aa.
Residents of Riamanono village were shocked to learn of the dairy cow’s death after consuming kangara, a mixture of molasses and flour from which chang’aa is distilled.
There was consternation among residents and drinkers at the home of a chang’aa brewer when news of the cow’s death spread.
Witnesses said the cow broke loose from a paddock where it was tethered and accessed the distillery behind the woman’s kitchen where the kangara was stored.
The cow drank the thick brown mixture from a plastic container. Locals say 400 litres of chang’aa could be distilled from the mixture.
The woman nearly collapsed upon stumbling on the cow lying dead in a pool of kangara after searching for it in vain in neighbouring maize fields.
It was not clear whether she was crying over the cow’s death or the loss of potential income from the kangara but she wailed loudly, attracting neighbours and people consuming the liquor in the compound.
"Surely the world is coming to an end. I have never heard of a cow consuming chang’aa. It started with dogs consuming bananas and avocado and now this," exclaimed a drunken man.
When news of the cow’s death spread, villagers milled around the scene to witness the rare occurrence.
The owner, fearing the area chief would get wind of the development and expose her illegal business, asked those present for advice on what to do.
Quick thinking revellers suggested that they slaughter the cow and share the meat to avoid raising suspicion.
Armed with knives and machetes, the group cut up the carcass and divided up the free meat. Some, however, expressed fears that if the liquor had brought down a cow, it could also be detrimental to their health.
"The cow took too much kangara because of the sugar it contains. We will feast on the red meat and discard the entrails to be safe," quipped one of the men doling out the meat.
Meanwhile, the owner of the brewery mourned the loss of her only cow and villagers are yet to come to terms with the bizarre incident.
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt...
-Mark Twain