NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 28 – The Director-General of Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Major-General Mohammed Badi has warned Nairobi residents and bar owners against disobeying a nationwide closure of bars and sell of alcohol in eateries.
Speaking during a news conference at his KICC-based office, Badi said he will personally conduct inspections in the metropolitan to ensure the ban which came into effect at midnight on Monday is implemented to the letter.
“I will personally go round to ensure the bars are closed, we have to maintain the directives that have been given, It is my duty to ensure within the county, there is no bar open,” he said.
He urged all bar operators to abide by the directive saying, ” lets close for 30 days as we wait for further directives.”
Badi attributed the rising COVID-19 cases within the city to increased gatherings
“If you need to drink, buy your drink and drink at home, ‘If i get you, you will be on the wrong side of the law,” he further warned.
The NMS DG clarified that his oversight role on the enforcement of the new measures do not amount to interference with county functions under Governor Mike Sonko.
“Ours is to ensure that people obey rules. It has nothing to interfere with liquor licensing or trade. I do not issue the license, neither will i revoke,” he added.
During his tenth national address on COVID-19 on Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta banned the sale of alcoholic drinks in all restaurants in the country and directed that all bars remain closed indefinitely to slow down the rising rate of COVID-19 transmission in the country.
The President said the ban on sale of alcohol in restaurants and eateries will remain in force for the next 30 days.
He further amended the closing time of all restaurants from 9pm to 7pm.
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