The National government has closed down 18,650 alcoholic premises that were not licensed or were licensed irregularly across the country as the war on illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse intensifies.
Interior and National Adminstration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that a total of 12,150 alcoholic pubs nationwide were operating illegally and another 6,500 bars wrongly licensed, saying that it is illegal to operate bars and pubs 300 meters away from learning institutions.
“We must win this war against demonic forces that want to destroy the people of Kenya. Many of the youth were deeply addicted to alcohol, drugs and substance abuse and we have to win the war against these vices.” Prof Kindiki lamented.
Speaking at Butuik sub-location, Cheplanget location in Kericho County, Kindiki directed County governments to refrain from issuing licenses to bars and alcoholic outlets contrary to the provisions of the law, viz the Alcoholic Drinks Control act.
“Any license issued contrary to the law, that license is null and void. As a bar owner, you were issued with a license by the County government to operate near a school or learning institution. The National government will revoke the license and shut down the bar,” said Prof Kindiki.
The Interior CS said that if the war on illicit brews and counterfeit liquor was not intensified the country is likely to lose a whole generation of youth to drug abuse yet they could be productive in nation building in various spheres of the economy like farming activities and various professions.
Prof Kindiki had visited to console the bereaved family of the late Louis Rono who was until his death the County Commissioner of Lamu County, the CS was accompanied by among others the Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo.
“The government appreciates the patriotic contribution of the late Louis Rono and will support his family during this painful moment in appreciation of his selfless service to the nation” said Prof. Kindiki.
The Interior CS hailed what education in the country has achieved, saying he would soon return to the village and support development of educational facilities at Butuik Secondary School and the local church.
By Kibe Mburu and Dominic Cheres
