Governor William Kabogo cancels licences for spirits outlets

Governor William Kabogo has revoked with immediate effect licences for all wines and spirits shops dealing in second generation liquor products.

Mr Kabogo's directive comes in the wake of renewed fight against cheap liquor, which has been blamed for alcoholism in Kiambu and Central Kenya.

His move came as Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu told off those criticising him for leading a group of youths last weekend in raiding illegal wines and spirits kiosks saying he has no apologies to make for participating in a 'noble' cause.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo. He has revoked with immediate effect licences for all wines and spirits shops dealing in second generation liquor products.
(PHOTO: COURTESY)

Speaking at Murera in Juja where he joined locals in raiding illicit brew dens yesterday, Mr Waititu said fighting illicit brew menace was one of his campaign pledges, which he has to fulfill.

Seeming to be reading from the same script, Kabogo said he has been fighting illicit brew since he came into office.

"Those who want to know we are fighting alcoholism they should visit Thika stadium and see for themselves illicit brew in tanks impounded by the county," said Kabogo.

He, however, called on the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett to arrest Waititu for destruction of people's property.

He lashed out on Waititu accusing him of wanting to take credit on what his administration has been fighting and continues to fight.

He wants the Kabete MP arrested for destroying people's businesses and encouraging looting in the name of fighting illicit brew in the county.

"I want to throw a special question to the IG and DPP, what precedent are you sending to Kenyans that its right to take a sledge hummer and destroy other people's property?" he asked.

He said if Waititu was to be allowed to continue in his style of dealing the alcohol menace, then thugs will take advantage and do the looting.

"If whatever is happening now is allowed to continue in another two or three years, Kenya will be ungovernable since the youths will have taken charge of everything and elected one of their own," he said.

Government intervention

He said that no one is above the law as he urged the Government to do the needful before the situation gets out of hands.

But Waititu responded by saying he will use any method to rid Kabete and the county off the killer illicit brews.

The MP said as a leader he would not just sit and watch as the people continue to die as a result of rampant illicit brews.

"I will not relent in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse no matter what the cost will be. I will not listen to the few who are making some noise but will go with the majority who are in support of the fight against the brew," he said.

The lawmaker also faulted the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) leadership for failing to end the rampant menace, and instead engaging in unnecessary infighting.

However, County Commissioner Esther Maina refuted claims by the MP saying the provincial administrators and the police were doing all within their power to eradicate the menace adding that the progress so far was commendable.

The Kabete MP has come under heavy criticism after he accompanied the youth who raided bars at Wangige and Gikuni shopping centres.