18000 bars closed in fight against illicit liquor- CS Kindiki

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has affirmed the closure of over 18,000 premises that have violated the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act.

Kindiki was speaking in Kisii, where he confirmed the closure of 6,500 premises that were operating contrary to the alcohol drinks act and 12,150 premises that were operating without a license.

“We have been able to shut down 6500 premises that were operating with licenses but contrary to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act which is national law, and is superior to county law by virtue of our constitution. Therefore, those licenses have been revoked for violating national law and those premises closed,” he said.

“We have also shut down 12,150 premises across the country that were operating without a license from any authority. In total, we have 18,650 premises which are shut down.”

He also established that 14 distilleries were shut down for operating illegally and their property destroyed.

“We have shut down 14 distilleries that were operating illegally in various parts of the country. We have also destroyed the infrastructure of those breweries to ensure we destroy the manufacturing capabilities of manufacturing poisonous substances to the people of Kenya.”

The Interior CS stated that illicit brews and drugs are a menace that is destroying Kenyans.

“What these poisonous, unhealthy drinks, drugs, and substances are doing is they are destroying the best of our population,” he said.

Kindiki associated that there is a link between illicit brew and crime, saying that there has been a sharp decline in crime since the government began the fight against illicit brew and narcotics.

This comes after the Deputy President had waged a war against illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse.

The government had announced new measures aimed at eradicating illicit brews in the country on March 6.

In a statement released after a meeting at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's residence in Karen, the government ordered the immediate shutdown of bars and alcohol outlets operating in residential areas and near educational institutions.

“Any licences currently issued to bars and other outlets and premises by County Governments that are contrary to the provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, especially as relates to licensing of premises within residential areas and around basic educational institutions are null and void. County Security Teams are to secure the shutdown and seizure of such premises with immediate effect,” reads in statement.

He also announced the suspension of licenses issued to second-generation alcohol distillers and manufacturers.

“All licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by KRA and KEBS stand suspended with immediate effect," said Kindiki.