We Will Demolish Them- Ruto Threatens Businesses Selling Illicit Alcohol

President William Ruto has warned that the government will demolish businesses found to be trading in illicit alcohol in the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the Kericho Passport Centre in Kericho Town, the Head of State affirmed that they will not watch as the country loses a whole generation to drugs and alcoholism.

Ruto thus cautioned those found producing and selling illicit alcohol that not only will their activities be closed but also their premises and equipment used to produce the illicit alcohol got rid of.

"Whenever someone is found producing illicit alcohol without a licence, it's not just that we will shut them down, we will demolish that place and destroy all the equipment they use to harm our youth,” Ruto vowed.

He further implored the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to take the lead in terms of the prevention of the issuing of licences to individuals and entities importing illicit alcohol to the country. 

Ruto affirmed that there is a need for Kenya to be a sober country for the sake of its development.

"We have agreed to finish the issue of alcohol in Kenya. I want to tell the people of KRA to be at the forefront. No licenses should be issued to anyone who imports alcohol or brings spirits that harm our children in Kenya.

"We have said that this issue must stop so that we can have a better nation. We need a nation that is sober so that we can take development to the next level,” Ruto directed.

His warning came a day after the Cabinet endorsed measures the government recently took in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs.

These measures, announced by the Interior Ministry, include a 21-day suspension of all 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol, revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies.

Other measures announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, March 6 include nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs.

The Cabinet resolved that any public officials who resist these measures in the fight against illicit brews and drugs will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest.

"These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health and public prosecution, among others.

"The Cabinet was informed that since the Interior Ministry started implementing these measures, 2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 agro-vets have been closed," added the despatch.

At the meeting chaired by President Ruto at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet was informed that 5,835 raids on illicit and narcotic premises have been conducted, 289,390 litres of illicit brews and 13,198 litres of counterfeit alcohol have been netted.