Business as usual despite President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive on alcohol

NYERI: Despite Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive for MPs to ‘clean Central Kenya of illicit brews, it was business as usual with drunken youth loitering the streets and some lying desolate along pathways.

Cheap liquor is still available even before the regulation time, ensuring steady supply for consumers.

In Nyeri, senior administration and security officers met at County Commissioner Michael ole Tialal’s office.

“We are not giving anybody a chance. We will never tolerate this negative publicity concerning over-consumption and even deaths related to the alcohol menace,” said Mr Tialal.

Some joints selling wines and spirits and other second generation brews were operating without due consideration of Uhuru’s order.

And by 1pm, The Standard found drunken men who were too inebriated to only afford a ‘comfortable’ sleep along the town’s alleys and also in bars which were selling outside stipulated hours. Ahead of the operation that will start today, all MPs in Nyeri County are expected to hold a meeting which will then be followed by a massive door-door operation to eradicate the vice.

Regional Police Commander Larry Kieng said police in Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties were all set for the operation.

“We will conduct a concurrent operation in all the areas and we will not spare anybody regardless of who they are. We will also be receiving regular updates on the goings on in the counties to make this a success,” said Mr Kieng.

LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

And over 3,000 bar owners in Nyeri supported the President’s directive to close all bars selling illicit and second generation liquor. Through the County Bar Owners Association Secretary Kiama Gachanja, the traders said were concerned about the mushrooming of bars and wine and spirits outlets that are even being established close to learning institutions.

“These bars erected close to social amenities end up promoting the culture of drinking among students, setting a very bad precedent for the future generations,” Mr Gachanja said.

Elsewhere, kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu defended his actions of raiding pubs selling second generation drinks in his constituency, saying he knows the real effects of second generation alcohol and he will never allow his people to drown in them.

“We have all seen lives being lost and people going blind within hours. I do not want such events in my constituency,” he said.

He said he is going to work hand in hand with State agencies and local leaders to ensure his constituents, especially the youth are not rendered useless because of alcohol.

“I am happy that people of Kabete have trust in me. This is a good sign that we are going to be good partners even if I am elected the governor of Kiambu,” he said.

—Report by Job Weru, Nderitu Gichure and Graham Kajilwa