Kindiki Declares Nationwide Crackdown, Orders Closure of Bars After Death of Kenyans
The Interior Cabinet Secretary has mandated a countrywide operation targeting bars in rural areas throughout the nation, prompted by the tragic deaths of more than 13 individuals in Kirinyaga County after consuming illegal alcohol in early February.
During a press briefing on Friday, Kindiki instructed County Commissioners and law enforcement officials to promptly implement the order and shut down establishments that are vending illegal alcoholic beverages.
Kindiki noted that trading in illicit liquor will be treated as terrorism going forward.
“We have directed the county security teams to work with county governments to review the licenses of all bars in the country and close down those without licenses,” he ordered.
“We have also initiated a program to help those of us who are chronically addicted to alcoholism and drugs and therefore, our chiefs and assistant chiefs have instructed to collect data from every village so that we can take them from rehabilitation.”
However, he directed the shutdown of all bars in Kirinyaga County to enable the government to verify the licenses of the entertainment establishments.
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He mentioned his intention to personally travel to the county on Wednesday to verify that the directive was being implemented.
Kindiki issued the directives in response to residents’ appeals for the closure of bars, aiming to allow the government to eliminate individuals involved in the sale of illegal alcohol.
“We are asking that the bases be closed for even two months so that we can deal with the problem we are facing,” one of the residents suggested.
“County commissioner and your team, you have heard what the people want. Today is Friday and I will be back here on Wednesday to ensure that the directive is effected,” Kindiki responded.
In the meantime, the Civil Service (CS) stated that the government planned to dismiss any officers who did not respond appropriately to the issue of illicit brew consumption in Kirinyaga.
He mentioned that the government would also explore legal options to bring charges against the officers in a court of law.
Kindiki Declares Nationwide Crackdown, Orders Closure of Bars After Death of Kenyans