KIRINYAGA, Kenya, Feb 17 – Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has ordered the immediate closure of all bars in the county following the death of 17 people who consumed ethanol-laced alcohol.
Speaking in Mwea East constituency during their mass burial ceremony Waiguru directed the County government to begin a new licensing verification process and close all bars operating illegally.
“I have ordered all bars operating in Kirinyaga County to be closed indefinitely and a new process to verify and licensing to start immediately,” Waiguru stated.
She also directed the withdrawal of all Bar operating licenses decrying the high numbers of bars operating illegally within the county.
“Kirinyaga County government led by me as Governor Ann Waiguru has withdrawn all bar operating licenses,” she said.
The Kirinyaga county Boss called for heftier fines for those arrested as a result of operating illicit brew joints stating that the move will help fight Illicit liquor.
According to Waiguru those arrested selling illicit alcohol have been roaming freely after being released on lesser fines by the courts.
“If we can talk to the courts there is a need to have minimum fines for such offences. In Kirinyaga county the number of operating bars within the county is twice that of the schools and churches,” she stated.
Waiguru revealed that 11 official staff working in the County government own some of the bars, sending them stern warning of either owning the bar or working for Kirinyaga county.
“I have been informed that 11 members of my staff working in Kirinyaga county government have set up several bars as their businesses.I have your names and we know which bar you own! This is the directive from me you will either own the bar or work for the County government,” she warned.
“If you own a bar you will not be allowed to work for the Kirinyaga county government! We will not sit and watch as our people die ,” She added.
