The national government has banned the illegal manufacturing and consumption of illicit brews, counterfeit second generation liquor and use of substance and drug abuse in Makueni County.
The ban comes after a multi-agency team impounded 6010 litres of counterfeit second generation liquor, 4323 litres of Karubu, 965 litres of Chang’aa and 700 of litres Kangara and 2,000 rolls of Bhang in the past one month.
“We have banned any illegal manufacturing, selling and consumption of illicit brew, second generation liquor and use of drugs in Makueni County,” said the Makueni County Commissioner Beverly Opwora while briefing the media in her Wote office on Thursday.
Consequently, she said that those business people licensed to sell alcohol in the County will only be allowed to dispense genuine products during the stipulated time and designated areas allowed by the government.
“We will allow only licensed business people to sell alcohol products that are cleared by Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Revenue Authority and other government agencies,” warned the County Commissioner.
“Those involved in selling counterfeit liquor, deny the national and county governments revenue that is utilized in development,” she added.
Opwora disclosed that the most affected parts were towns along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway and urban centres saying the government will deal with the perpetrators according to the law.
She blamed the consumption of illicit brews and use of drugs for the increase in criminal activities like defilement, committing murder and suicide among other vices in the community.
Opwora directed Deputy County Commissioners, Chiefs and their Assistants to be vigilant to ensure the vice of consumption of illegal illicit brews are eradicated from their area of jurisdiction.
During the briefing, the administration called upon the youth to stop consuming the illicit brews saying it impacted negatively on their health and making them to be unproductive in society.
In this regard, she urged the youth to be in the forefront in planting tree seedlings especially this rainy season in the county besides challenging them to form groups in order to benefit from government incentive funds.
While calling upon the parents to take care of their children during this festive period, the administrator assured the residents of their security during this holiday and festive season.
She cautioned motorists plying our roads especially the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway to observe traffic rules to avert accidents which would lead to loss of lives.
“The government values every life of its citizens,” Opwora noted.
By Patrick Nyakundi and Ronald Rono
