The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) wants all bars and entertainment joints closed on the eve of the August 9 polls.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, July 30, NACADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Victor Okioma revealed that the agency would move to the Ministry of Interior to seek an advisory on whether the proposal can be implemented.
Okioma explained that the move would help in promoting peace on election day.
Further, he stated that the proposals on bar closure had been embraced by various religious leaders and government officials.
Additionally, the CEO revealed that some counties had adopted the move, expressing that the national implementation of the proposal would be beneficial to the country.
"Religious leaders and security officers have recommended that bars should be closed on the eve of the elections. Some of the counties have adopted the initiative.
We shall ask the CS whether he can direct to have all bars and entertainment closed on the eve of the elections so as to ensure that there is peace on that day," he stated.
On the other hand, he cautioned politicians against inciting the youth to disrupt opponents' rallies noting that many of the youths get arrested during the campaign period.
He asserted that chaos during elections is caused by rowdy youth who are intoxicated.
"We are calling on the leaders not to misuse the youth. We ask them not to be used to disrupt rallies. That is the engagement we are having across the country," the NACADA boss expressed.
Okioma's statement came days after various religious groups and peace stakeholders called on the government to close entertainment joints as they explained that the move would even help improve voter turnout.
"We will ensure that the 'mama pima' outlets are not operational during that day so that we ensure we are dealing with a sober citizen," Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara stated in a past interview.
The closure of bars during voting day is not new. In 2017, Nakuru Bar Owners Association announced the closure of bars in the county for two days to encourage voter turnout.
