Embu County Government and area security agencies have raised alarm over resurgence of illicit and counterfeit liquor in the County.
Governor Cecily Mbarire said there was need to step up the fight to eliminate mushrooming illicit brew dens and underground markets.
She said they cannot afford to lose the war that they had successfully won previously, and called for reinvigorated effort from all stakeholders to rid the county of the menace of illegal brews.
“We have noted an increase in collection and recycling of empty beer bottles which indicates there could be someone using them to package illegal alcohol,” she said.
Governor Mbarire who was speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with county security teams, said they will embark on and intensify the crackdown on illicit brews to ensure they do not creep back in the market.
At the same time, the Governor announced that they will not allow unlicensed bars to continue operating as part of winning the war.
She reported that there were over 100 bars not licensed by the County Government but still in operation.
“We will ensure we close them down immediately and I have instructed our enforcement teams to ensure that is done in collaboration with national government security personnel,” the Governor said.
She added that sale and consumption of narcotics, especially bhang, was on the rise in major towns across the county which she said should be fought from all fronts.
Mbarire said, in collaboration with local administration, they will formulate a reporting mechanism to ensure peddlers are identified and prosecuted appropriately.
County Commissioner Jack Obuo said they had activated multi-agency teams at all levels to ensure those dealing in illicit liquor and narcotics trade are dealt with firmly within the law.
By Samuel Waititu
