Over 4,500 bars were, as of Friday, January 27, in a rush to secure licences following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's orders to crack down on illicit liquor in the country.
The numerous bars, according to Murang'a County Police Commander Ali Nuno, sought to register their operations to avoid being shut down by the government.
According to a statement by from the Commander, the county had at least 2291 registered outlets, with over 4,500 hoping to be licensed.
He added that police officers in the area were keen on streamlining the operations following public outcry over the rampant proliferation of liquor outlets in the county.
The statements by Nuno came a day after Gachagua noted that Murang'a county was the most affected county, with cases of youths dying from the illicit brew.
"We shall not accept a situation where youths are being killed or become unproductive because of consumption of illicit alcohol," the DP announced.
Speaking during a function in Murang'a Town, on Thursday, January 26, the DP called upon the provincial administrators to work with the county governments to curb the illicit liquor in the country.
In addition, the second in command announced that the county governments would review the procedures for licensing bars and pubs at the county level.
Gachagua had also held discussions with renowned musician Muigai wa Njoroge to deliberate on ways to end the escalating alcohol and drug abuse menace in the country.
"This menace has turned our young men and women into zombies, killing their productivity," Gachagua lamented.
While speaking in Nairobi on Friday, January 27, Gachagua clarified that licensed businesses will not be affected by the crackdown.
"What we have asked the governors is to reconsider the bars and restaurants operating for 24 hours and reduce the time," he stated.
