Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki on Friday, July 31, pledged to go after people who had turned their homes into bars.
The governor noted that it was allowed for one to drink privately, however, he warned those who held drinking gatherings in their compound.
"Now that the bars have been closed and there is no drinking publicly, people have turned their homes into bars which is not allowed as you know when people drink they disregard social distancing," he stated.
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The governor noted that he would work together with the county commissioner to ensure the guidelines are followed in people's homes.
He further urged for responsible drinking, advising parents not to expose their children to alcohol while drinking at home noting that they should set good examples.
Earlier in July, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) chairperson Prof. Mabel Imbuga stated that the growing trend of alcohol consumption from home was exposing children and young people to underage drinking.
"Drinking at home also undermines the protective home environment for the pupils and students who are staying at home because of the containment measures imposed by the government to check the spread of Covid-19," she stated.
The authority appealed to members of the public to report cases putting children at risk through their toll-free line No. 1192 (Monday to Friday during working hours) or to any National Government Administration Officers.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, July 27, banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in eateries and restaurants following a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Bars found operating in contravention of Uhuru's orders will have their licenses withdrawn permanently. He further announced a change in operating hours for hotels and restaurants, from 8 pm to 7 pm.
Prior to the president's announcement, Kiambu Governor James Nyoro had ordered the closure of all wines and spirits outlets and directed supermarkets not to sell wines and spirits warning that those caught violating the order would lose their licenses for good.
