Several bars and nightclubs in Kisumu have been closed down following a crackdown by security agencies.
The multi-agency operation which kicked off on Thursday has also seen several liquor outlets in the sub-counties shut following a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki on the sale of alcoholic drinks.
The operation, led by Kisumu Central Deputy County Commissioner Bosec Lang’at targeted bars that were operating without licenses and running beyond the stipulated hours following complaints from members of the public.
Among the popular spots closed by the team include Mamba, Da Vunduba, Ottro Lounge and Liquor Bistro.
Proprietors of the affected establishments criticised the move by the government claiming they had been unfairly targeted yet they had complied with all the regulations.
Kisumu County Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) Chairman Dan Ouma said most of the proprietors were caught unawares and the security team refused to disclose why the premises were being closed.
“We do not have any information why the establishments have been closed down. The officers have not given us any information. I am still in the process of compiling the list to establish how many have been affected,” he said.
Collins Okoth, Kisumu County Director of Alcoholic Beverages, Liquor Licensing, Betting and Gaming Control told KNA that most of the affected establishments were not licensed.
His office, he said has been enjoined in the campaign and will from Monday verify all the issued licenses to ensure that only genuine establishments are allowed to operate.
Some of the licensed bars and nightclubs in the area, he added, were not only operating beyond the stipulated hours but also flouted the parameters of the licenses by carrying out illegal activities among them the sale of bhang, illicit brews and shisha.
“We are fully supporting what the national government is doing to end impunity in this sector. In fact, I am going to propose that we suspend issuance of new licenses until the crackdown is completed,” he said.
Bars operating within residential areas, he added were earmarked for closure adding that his team in the Sub counties has been enjoined in the campaign to restore sanity in the sector.
Others, he said, were those situated next to schools and learning institutions which is against the law.
“The law requires that a bar must be 300 metres away from a school. Some are located just 50 metres away and this is illegal. They must be shut,” he said.
According to Okoth, Kisumu Central Sub-County has the highest number of bars with 77 of them captured in the county records followed by Nyando (20), Kisumu East (16), Muhoroni (13) and Seme (10).
By Chris Mahandara
