Gov’t To Renew Crackdown On Illicit Brew, DP Gachagua Says

The government is tightening the fight against illicit alcoholic drinks and drugs amid growing concerns that more youths are getting trapped in addition.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday asked members of the national administration to act to wipe out the prohibited drinks.

Speaking when he kicked off training of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) on the fertilizer subsidy programme at the Kenya School of Government, the Deputy President said illicit brews menace requires urgent intervention.

He said the government is treating the issue seriously and a strategic approach will be unveiled soon.

“People are complaining about illicit brew and bhang. Kindly help us fight these drinks. We will be issuing a policy directive on what will happen but, in the meantime, crack down on illicit brew and drugs,” DP Gachagua said.

He said he had received complaints from across the country, including Bomet County, where residents have demanded action against those peddling the prohibited brews. This is in addition to five counties in Central Kenya, which he singled out earlier in the week.

DP Gachagua said more youths were getting exposed to the illegal substances, cautioning against laxity in efforts to get rid of them.

“Let us work together on this matter. We are at the risk of losing an entire generation to illicit liquor and cheap brews,” he stated.  

While expressing confidence in the ability of the chiefs, their assistants and senior administration officers at the county level, Gachagua asked them to work with other leaders in ending the menace.

The Deputy President has also asked Governors to work with other actors in establishing or strengthening policies against illicit liquor as well as regulating the businesses in this sector.

On Thursday, he said younger people were getting exposed to alcoholism owing to the uncontrolled mushrooming of drinking spots across the country.

“Although Governors across the country are allowed to source for revenues through taxes, we are also concerned that licenses are issued to bars and restaurants, which allow them to operate 24/7,” the Deputy President said in Ruiru, Kiambu, on Thursday.  

“This means the youth can engage in alcohol consumption without stopping. I urged the Governors to limit issuance of licenses so that only few outlets only operate.”