Involve us in fight against illegal brew, say bar owners

Secretary General Nyeri Bar Owner Association Kiama Gachanja,displays an alcoholic validator device which is used to distinguish between the genuine and fake alcoholic drinks in the market shelves .PHOTO:KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD.

The Bar Owners Association has sought to be involved in formulation of laws to govern the sale of alcohol.

This comes in the wake of the return of illicit brews to the region, an issue that topped the agenda of the just-concluded Central Kenya leaders meeting.

The leaders proposed a law that would be replicated in all 11 counties in the region with radical changes in the fight against illicit liquor.

Yesterday, however, the association said without the input of all stakeholders, the process would be futile.

The group asked the leaders to allow stakeholders to give their input on any proposed legal framework as per the Constitution.

"The Constitution is clear that the public and other interested groups be involved and their views considered through public participation," association secretary Kiama Gachanja said. "Our inclusion and input is crucial in streamlining the sector."

Mr Gachanja said the association supported the second stage of the crack down on illicit brew, but cautioned leaders against inciting the public to target legitimate businesses.

"Use of political rallies to whip up public emotions will only make the matter worse, they should let the law enforcement agencies lead the campaign to wipe out the menace," Gachanja said.

Leaders, during the retreat, agreed to embark on a fresh one-month crackdown against illicit brew. They issued a list of 115 manufacturers and distributors of liquor who will be targeted in the new phase.

The leaders led by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi and Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru resolved to also use radical measures that included destruction of vehicles used to distribute the illegal drinks.

But yesterday, the bar owners noted that in a bid to self-regulate their business, the association had on behalf of its members among other measures acquired a validator from Kenya Revenue Authority. "We acquired the gadget on January 5, with a new email address and a pin certificate in order to update and monitor self-regulatory policies adopted by the association on November 20," he added.

Gachanja said they were working closely with Kenya Bureaus of Standards to provide detectors to check on standardisation marks on alcoholic products.

Theobald Wambugu, the association's chairman, said they were optimistic leaders would consider their proposal when drafting the proposed laws.

Last week, the assembly shot down a motion seeking to establish regulations meant to control the sale and consumption of alcohol in the region.

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