More than 10,000 people in Murang’a have been rendered jobless following Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki’s directive to close bars operating near residential areas and schools.
In a meeting held on Friday, March 15, the area leaders condemned the move, advocating for the rights of those affected.
The leaders further requested that the government focus its efforts on regulating manufacturers instead, as the owners of bars and joints were not involved in the production of the illegal drinks.
“From the Chiefs to their assistants, whatever is happening on the ground is very malicious and it's harassment. Let us work together to wage war on the illicit products, but not on local businesses,” one leader stated.
Jubilee Secretary General (SG) Jeremiah Kioni, who attended the meeting condemned the closure of bars, terming it as a targeted attack on local investors.
“They have not been given the products not supposed to their shelves, and no one has compensated their licenses,” Kioni stated.
“They are the manufacturers that have produced products that have killed people in the past.”
Kioni also promised to join Martha Karua and other lawyers to advocate for the rights of bar owners and other elders recently involved in a Mungiki-related case.
This comes after he made a vow on Thursday, to sue the government over the closure of bars, if nobody attempted to do so in the coming week.
“I believe in the coming days there has to be somebody going to court, and if we don’t see one going to court we will spearhead one in the form of a class suit,” Kioni vowed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on March 6, issued a directive, banning the sale and production of second-generation alcohol, and revoking all licenses.
Kindiki also directed local authorities to close all bars and entertainment joints near residential areas and learning institutions.
"Further, within 60 days, the National Treasury shall conclude taxation proposals towards the incorporation of a model of taxation based on alcoholic content and review the taxation of beer and other non-spirituous drinks to mitigate the risk of harmful effect," he stated.
