Embu County Commissioner (CC) Morris Wanyonyi has ordered the immediate closure of unregistered bars and liquor outlets operating in rural areas, even as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit and counterfeit alcohol in the Mt Kenya Region.
Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Kithimu Primary School in Embu County, Wanyonyi raised concern over the increasing number of liquor outlets in the villages, pointing to possible collusion between some County Government Licensing Officials and operators of unregistered liquor outlets.
He called for investigations into the alleged irregularities, warning that such practices could undermine efforts to curb the sale and consumption of counterfeit alcohol.
The CC also pledged Government support for Chiefs and other Local Administrators involved in the fight against illicit brews, urging them to remain vigilant and take firm action against individuals suspected to be selling illegal and potentially lethal alcoholic concoctions.
He emphasised the need for closer collaboration between Security Agencies and Local Administrators to protect communities from the dangers associated with these lethal brews.
On his part, County Assembly of Embu Majority Leader Murithi Kobole called on the County Liquor Licensing Board to do an audit of all liquor outlets with a view to weeding out those selling counterfeit liquors.
Speaking at a separate event, Kobole, who is also Mbeti North Ward MCA, complained that there were outlets that were contravening the laws by stocking second-generation liquor alongside genuine ones.
He thus called for a crackdown on such outlets that were blending illegal brews with legitimate ones to deceive consumers and evade law enforcement.
“The practice has compounded the challenge of wiping out illicit liquor in the region, and we are calling upon the regulatory board to take action immediately,” he stated.
He said it was high time the menace was tackled head-on to safeguard the country’s youth.
