Nyeri: Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga has ordered the immediate closure of all bars operating in Gatitu trading centre in the outskirts of Nyeri town following public outcry over the proliferation of the sale of illicit alcohol. Speaking during a public baraza attended by security agencies at the Gatitu trading centre, the county boss directed the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Licensing Committee to immediately revoke licenses for all bars pending fresh vetting by the committee.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr Kahiga expressed his frustration with the current situation, stating that the time for negotiating and strategizing is over, and that enforcement is now necessary as people continue to succumb to alcohol-related deaths. The governor also directed that the number of bars operating in the centre be reduced to a maximum of 10 as part of a sweeping crackdown on illicit and counterfeit alcohol in the area.
Dr Kahiga highlighted the alarming number of bars in the small town, noting that some operate without licenses while others use fake licenses. He emphasized that all bars in Gatitu should shut down immediately and that the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Licensing Committee will partner with county enforcement to vet and issue licenses to bar owners. Bars that do not meet the requirements will not be granted licenses.
Additionally, the governor ordered the revocation of all liquor distribution permits in the town pending fresh vetting by the liquor licensing committee. He warned that the county would not tolerate the sale and distribution of illicit and counterfeit alcohol in the region, and encouraged those affected to take legal action if they felt it necessary.
As part of the initiative, Dr Kahiga instructed the Directorate of public health and sanitation to conduct a weeklong cleanup exercise to remove alcohol bottles used for repackaging counterfeit alcohol. He also announced a one-week Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) to enforce compliance, after which compliant bars and distributors will be allowed to reopen.
The baraza was prompted by the recent deaths of four residents after consuming what is believed to be illicit alcohol, with another victim currently in critical condition. The county government will waive post-mortem charges to determine the cause of death, with procedures scheduled at the county referral funeral home in Nyeri town.
Dr Kahiga criticized law enforcement officers for allegedly accepting bribes from business owners operating illegal liquor joints and leaking intelligence about enforcement operations. He vowed to address this issue and prevent further corruption.
The governor was accompanied by several officials, including his deputy Kinaniri Warue, area Member of County Assembly Wangechi Wanjithi, Nyeri Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Sub-county police commander Selina Kilugha, and other key stakeholders. He called for a coordinated approach involving government levels, community members, and religious stakeholders to combat the alcohol crisis.
In January, a multi-agency security operation in Nyeri led by Central Region Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha and Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati impounded 150 crates of suspected counterfeit alcohol. The operation is part of the Government’s accelerated 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) announced by President Dr William Ruto to address the rampant brewing, sale, and consumption of illicit brews.
Commissioner Nkanatha stated that the operation will continue until the menace of illicit brews and substance abuse is eradicated. Intelligence reports have identified individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit beer in Nyeri, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
