'Police abetting illicit brews trade in Nairobi'

NAIROBI: The directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta for the cancellation of licences for bars and other outlets selling illicit drinks across Central Kenya has elicited mixed reactions from a cross-section of city residents.

 

Steven Mbuvi, a resident of Kawangware, said the Government should first implement the famous Mututho laws before resorting to mass closure of liquor outlets.

"I like to indulge in a little drinking after work. However, most of the bars are open as early as 9am and this in itself attracts the youth who end up not going to work or attending to their duties," says Mr Mbuvi.

Julius Akonga, another resident, said the Government's fight against illicit brews can only succeed if it first cracks the whip on manufacturers of the drinks.

"The Government knows where all the illicit brew comes from. Let them revoke their licences," said Mr Akonga. According to Akonga, the authorities in the area are also aware that bars operate beyond the stipulated time, adding that police officers only visit the establishments to collect bribes.

Catherine Nkothi, a bar owner, blamed unscrupulous distributors and manufacturers for the illicit brews menace.

"I know of cases where the distributors supply counterfeit drinks," said Nthoki. Patrick Kisia, another bar owner in the area, said limiting of drinking hours had proved to be counterproductive hence the need to relook at the Mututho laws.