Chang’aa is an illicit alcoholic drink which is popular in Kenya. Distilled from grains like maize(corn) and sorghum, it is very potent. Its production and distribution is controlled in many cases by criminal gangs like the Mungiki. Many deaths have been caused by changaa contaminated by methanol.

Chang’aa is not unlike vodka, but is deadly when topped up with methanol, and in some cases formaldehyde.

Brewing changaa is illegal in Kenya, but a corrupt police force and hopeless government do very little to curb this menace.

   The City Center, Kisumu, Kenya   [Enlarge PIC]

Kisumu is a port city in western Kenya at 1131m, with a population of 355,024 (1999 census). It is the third largest city in Kenya, the principal city of western Kenya, the capital of Nyanza Province and the headquarters of Kisumu District. It is the largest city in Nyanza Province and second most Important city after Kampala in the greater Lake Victoria basin.

Kisumu has “Friendship” status with Cheltenham, UK and “Sister City” status with Roanoke, Virginia, USA…..[MORE >>]

Popularity: 12% [?]

   President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga

   Cartoon By Kham

NOTES: Former UN Chief Kofi Annan, brokered the power-sharing deal with President Mwai Kibaki and Mr Odinga

Popularity: 15% [?]