Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has reinforced an earlier directive by Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu ordering closure of all bars in the county.
The CS who toured Makwa village in Gatundu North, famed for its notoriety in illicit brews, on Tuesday said closure of all bars in the county will boost efforts by the county government to fight illicit brews.
Matiang’i said once all bars are closed, their proprietors will be required to apply afresh for licenses which will allow the county government to issue the licenses to only those who have complied with the stipulated regulations in the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.
He also noted that in Kiambu has the highest level of alcoholism occasioned by a very high number of bars and pubs in the county.
“It is very sad to note that we have more bars and clubs in the county that both primary and secondary schools combined. Currently, the county has 777 primary and 369 secondary schools while it has 3062 bars and clubs. This is unacceptable and must be checked,” said the Interior CS as quoted by the Standard.
Early this month, bar owners from the county expressed their discontentment with Waititu’s order saying it will hurt their establishments.
Kiambu Bar Liquor Association chairman Richard Kagiri had earlier said they will not comply with the order because they are not selling illicit brew.
“We want the governor to know all the genuine bar owners will not follow his order. We are not in any way engaged in illegal business. All our members are in legitimate business and they do not sell illicit brews but legally approved beer,” said Kagiri.
However, the governor maintains he will not back down on the war against illicit brew and second generation liquor.
Matiang’i said he was behind Waititu’s directive and that those who feel aggrieved should go to court.
“Those demonstrating against the government move should go to court f they feel aggrieved and we will meet there.
We cannot continue to lose innocent lives in the name of illicit alcohol. It is the high time we became innocent to ourselves that it is killing our people. We have to sort out this problem once and for all,” stated Matiang’i.
In a warning to provincial administrators who have in the recent past been lashed out for working together with illicit brewers, Matiang’i said they will not be suspended; they will be sacked and dismissed.