Gov't issues raft of new measures to curb illicit brew menace

Following the tragic incident in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, where 23 people after consuming illicit liquor in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, the government has unveiled stringent measures to eradicate the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit. 

In the directives issued to top security officers in the country by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki following a meeting at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's residence in Karen, the government ordered the immediate shut down of bars and alcohol outlets operating in residential areas and near educational institutions.

 Kindiki also announced the suspension of licenses issued to second generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers.

 “All licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by KRA and KEBS stand suspended with immediate effect," said Kindiki. 

"All existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of this directive, with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of fresh approval."

In what could see the return of the once famous Mututho laws, the government has directed that no bars will be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated hours of 11pm and that those found violating the directive will be fined or imprisoned and their licenses withdrawn.  

 “They must leave before those hours and make sure they get home in good time because  I am told the speed of mobility when one is intoxicated is a bit slow cause we don’t want to collect Kenyans in dirt ditches so they should go a little earlier," said the Interior CS.  

"Woe unto you if you work with KRA, KEBS, Public Health, NACADA, Police, NGAO or the Anti Counterfeit Agency and you operate an alcoholic outlet. All public officers currently operating such premises are required to shut them down or resign from the service with immediate effect. Cross-referencing of the Public Service Commission, National Police Service Commission and distinct agency staff records shall be undertaken to secure compliance thereof."  

The measures will also affect those who have rented space to those operating alcohol outlets in prohibited areas as this could land you in trouble for abetting an illegality …

With the borders being a weak link in the fight against illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse, the government has additionally directed the vetting of all officers manning border points, highways and regional offices.

 “Ethanol, bhang must not come through our borders because you are there and you have work to do and we are going to talk to officers from KRA, NACADA, KEBS and all the others that is our weakest link in this fight especially on bhang and ethanol," DP Gachagua said.

Gachagua added that the government will not hesitate to fire and prosecute security officers who collude with those involved in the business of selling illicit brew and drugs.

 “That failure will no longer be transferred to another county where officers have failed to perform their duties by acts of omission or commission they will not be transferred to other counties because that is essentially transferring failures and all counties are part of this country," said the DP.

The county security committees which have been provided with the list of approved and licensed manufacturers, distillers, pharmacists and agrovets have also been directed to shut down and destroy those not within the approved list within 10 days.