On Thursday, the National Government through the police closed down bars in various parts of the county following directives from Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki.

Speaking during a public participation that sought to amend the Nakuru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, Secretary General of the National Bar Owners Association (BAHLITA) Boniface Gachoka condemned this move.

"We fully support the government's effort in eradicating illicit brews but we condemn the actions that were taken Thursday night against bar and liquor store owners," he said.

Boniface Gachoka the Secretary General of the National Bar Owners Association at the public participation in Ugatuzi Plaza on 8th March 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

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He continued to say that many of those who had their stores closed down are in line with the rules and regulations and were in full compliance.

"In part six of the measures that were outlined by the Cabinet Secretary, it states that it’s the manufacturers who are not in full compliance that should be shut down," Mr Gachoka added.

He continues to lament that in places like Nakuru West all the liquor store owners who are fully compliant have had their businesses suspended for 21 days.

Liquor stores in Naivasha and Gilgil have also been closed for seven and three days respectively.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja, the Chairperson of Trade, Tourism Cooperative and Planning Committee echoed the sentiments of the Secretary General, saying that no criteria was used in the closure of the bars.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja addressing the gathering at Ugatuzi Plaza during the public participation on 8th March, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

"The fight is against illicit liquor and therefore closing down legitimate businesses is unlawful. In addition to this, the police should work hand in hand with county officials to identify those who are selling second generation alcohol and take proper action against them," he said.

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He further highlighted cooperation between the National and County Governments will be paramount in the implementation of the measures set out by the National Government.

"In the bill we seek to amend, we are mainly looking at zoning, where we would not want bars and liquor stores to be near markets and bus terminus. Also, with regard to wines and spirits those establishments should strictly be points of selling alcohol and not drinking within the same joints," he said.

Members of the public follow proceedings in Ugatuzi plaza on March 8, 2024.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

In addition to this, the bill would also seek to set aside funds for those who have been affected by illicit brew to be taken to rehabilitation centres.

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Nakuru bar owners up in arms over Kindiki's directive

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