Security
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has revealed that at least 18,650 liquor stores have been shut down as part of the ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit, second generation liquor and substance abuse.
Speaking during a visit to the Kisii Main GK Prison in Kisii town on Monday, Prof. Kindiki said the government had closed 12,150 premises which were operating without licenses from any authority and another 6500 which had licenses, but were operating contrary to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010.
The CS noted they had shut down 14 distilleries which were operating illegally and destroyed the infrastructure of those breweries to ensure they damage the manufacturing capabilities of the companies.
“We have also closed a number of agrovets and chemists operating outside the law and are working closely with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) which is the regulator of that industry,” he said.
In addition, Prof. Kindiki pointed out they are working with the Veterinary department and as a result, they had closed a number of Agrovet stores which were operating without licenses and were selling substances used to manufacture hard drugs.
In Kisii County, the CS disclosed that 95 suspects had been arrested and arraigned in court. “We have also seized about 40,000 litres of illicit and poisonous drinks, destroyed a number of illegal breweries and closed down a number of premises that were selling alcoholic drinks without licenses,” he added.
According to Prof. Kindiki, the multi-agency security team in the county had also closed down premises that were selling alcoholic drinks with licenses but operating within the prohibited proximity to learning institutions and other guidelines within the national law.
The CS pointed out that the government will not relent in its efforts to sustain the war on illicit brew and substance abuse until the problem is permanently solved. He decried the effects of the poisonous and unhealthy alcoholic drinks and drugs on young people saying that they have contributed to the high crime levels in the country.
“Since we began the crackdown nationally on March 7, there has been a sharp decline in reported crime statistics across the country, meaning there is a link between illicit alcohol and drugs problem and crime levels,” Prof. Kindiki said.
The CS cautioned the public against using joblessness as an excuse for the young people to consume illicit brew and drugs especially in urban centres and encouraged them to engage in productive activities.
The ongoing national crackdown follows a directive issued on March 6th by Prof. Kindiki ordering the immediate shut down of bars and alcohol outlets operating in residential areas and near educational institutions.
The CS also announced the suspension of licenses issued to second generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers. This directive came after a tragic incident occurred in Mwea East in Kirinyaga County, where 23 people died after consuming illicit liquor.