Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is leading the war against illicit brews and the streamlining of licensing of bars and restaurants.
However, a Kiambu-based bishop differed with the second in command for accusing chiefs of sleeping on the job in the government's crackdown.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 1, during the launch of Cianda division attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the bishop disagreed with Gachagua’s move, stating that the chiefs were not to blame.
“For a long time, our chiefs have been blamed and all officers for not fighting alcoholism but I want to disagree.
There is a way we can plan in a way that this liquor will not kill even a single person,” he announced.
The bishop, who confessed to losing his son to alcoholism, noted that the DP was using the wrong move in fighting alcoholism.
While backing illicit brew crackdown, supported by bar owners, he added that he had held a meeting with fellow clergymen and came up with a solution.
“It is not possible to have bars all over the county and expect chiefs to supervise.
If possible all the licensed bars by the governor should be located in one plot so that our officers can easily supervise,” he addressed.
Gachagua announced a crackdown on illicit brew during the launch of a bursary programme in Murang’a County on Thursday, January 26.
He noted that his order on licensing bars and restaurants was meant for fighting illicit brew to curb illicit brew that had affected many youths adding that the media misquoted him.
"Our officers will fight illicit brew. Not licensed businesses. What we have asked the governors is to reconsider the bars and restaurants that are operating 24 hours. Let the time be reduced," he clarified.
According to Gachagua, the country risks losing an entire generation to alcohol.
