Kindiki Declares Nationwide Crackdown; Illicit Liquor To Be Treated Like Terrorism, Banditry

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has directed that a nationwide crackdown be carried out on all bars in the country and for the menace to be treated just like terrorism and banditry.

The order comes after the death of over 13 people in Kirinyaga County who consumed illicit brew in early February.

Kindiki, during a press briefing on Friday, February 16 directed that the County Commissioners and police in the country should enforce the directive immediately.

He also committed to personally visit the county on Wednesday to ensure that the directive is enforced.

He made the orders after residents pleaded for the government to close down all the bars in Kirinyaga County so that the government could weed out those selling illicit brew.

"We are asking that the base be closed for even two months so that we can deal with the problem we are facing," one of the residents suggested.

"County commissioner and your team, you have heard what the people want. Today is Friday and I will be back here on Wednesday to ensure that the directive is effected," Kindiki responded.

On the other hand, he ordered the closure of all bars in Kirinyaga County to allow the government to ascertain the licences of the entertainment joints.

He further indicated that the government would fire all officers who failed to take action against the illicit brew menace and its consumption in Kirinyaga.

Furthermore, he would pursue all legal avenues to have the officers charged in court.

"It is also true that certain officials at the Judiciary have let the people of Kenya down and frustrated the law enforcement efforts of our officers," Kindiki pinned blame on the Judiciary.

He further instructed all chiefs to collect the names and data of all addicts in their villages for rehabilitation.

"I have directed the relevant officials to close all outlets that are selling alcohol in the villages because there are people who have set up alcoholic establishments in the middle of villages and this is what has ruined very many families," he added.

"Going forward, as a national security policy, county governments will only licence proper liquor establishments in shopping centres in towns and urban centres. We cannot have people having licences to operate bars in villages."

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki during a security briefing with Kirinyaga County and Mwea West Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committees on February 16, 2024. /KITHURE KINDIKI

More to follow...