CS Fred Matiang'i Orders Closure of All Bars in Kiambu

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i made a disturbing revelation on Tuesday in Kiambu after touring the county on official duty.

Speaking from Makwa village, Gatundu North Constituency, Matiang'i was surprised to notice that there are 3062 bars and clubs in the county compared to 777 and 369 primary and secondary schools respectively.

"This is unacceptable and must be checked," he stated indicating that the government would continue with the crackdown on illicit brews.

Noting that Kiambu was one of the counties with the highest level of alcoholism in the country, the CS ordered closure of all bars and pubs and warned provincial administrators and the police of sacking if found collaborating with illicit liquor brewers and sellers.

Mating'i indicated that the bar owners would be required to apply for licences afresh which would enable the county government to vet their eligibility.

According to the CS, compliance with the Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act would boost the government's war against illicit liquor.

He further warned that 17 other counties with serious concerns of rampant illicit alcohol consumption would attract similar drastic actions from the government.

"We cannot continue to lose innocent lives in the name of illicit alcohol. We have to sort out this problem once and for all," the CS warned.

His move appeared to affirm an earlier decision by Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu seeking to close all bars after assenting to the county's alcohol control Act.

[caption caption="Ferdinand Waititu, Kiambu Governor "][/caption]

"Those demonstrating against the government move should go to court if they feel aggrieved and we will meet there," Matiang'i dismissed bar owners who have been demonstrating following the move.

  • .