Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered a nationwide crackdown on all village bars across the country in response to the tragic deaths of over 13 individuals in Kirinyaga who died after consuming illicit brew.
During a press briefing on Friday, Kindiki issued a directive to county commissioners and law enforcement agencies nationwide, instructing them to promptly close outlets engaged in the sale of illicit brew.
"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 said in Kirinyaga.
At the same time, the CS also directed the county security teams to liaise with county governments to review all licenses of all bars in this country and to shut down all unlicensed outlets.
He explained that it was because there are people who have set up alcoholic establishments in the middle of villages, and this is what has ruined many families.
Kindiki noted that moving forward, the county governments will only license proper liquor establishments.
"We cannot have people have licenses to operate paths in villages, because this is what is affecting very many families," he said.
The CS announced his intention to visit the county next week on Wednesday to ensure the effective implementation of the directive.
These measures were put in place following requests from residents for the closure of bars, allowing the government to root out those involved in the sale of illicit brew.
"We are urging that the establishments be closed for a minimum of two months to address the pressing issue at hand," suggested one resident.
In response, Kindiki addressed the county commissioner and their team, stating, "You have heard the people's demands. Today is Friday, and I will return here on Wednesday to ensure the directive is carried out."
Last week, Kindiki directed a probe into the Kirinyaga illicit liquor incident that left 13 people dead.
The CS told relevant agencies to commence the investigations to bring to justice those involved.
"Relevant agencies are directed to immediately initiate inquiries upon which appropriate administrative action will ensue on those found culpable," he said on Friday.
At the same time, Kindiki directed the immediate removal, and probe of all security and national government administration officers culpable over illicit toxic brew in Kirinyaga.
A liquor outlet blamed for selling illicit alcohol that killed 13 people in Kangai, Kirinyaga had no operating license.
Sports, Culture and Social Services executive Dennis Muciimi said the County Liquor Licensing Committee had rejected an application to license the bar in December last year.
Five others lost their eyesight after consuming the illicit brew.
The brew is suspected to have been laced with ethanol.
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