Calls for sanity in the liquor business
By James Wakahiu
A cross section of leaders and residents of Witeithie Ward
in Juja Sub-County of Kiambu County have protested the skyrocketing mushrooming
of illegal liquor outlets in the area.
Speaking during the Ward liquor stakeholders meeting
held at Juste Bar and Restaurant social hall yesterday, residents accused the
County Government and the law enforcement agencies for looking the other way
and turning a deaf ear to the escalating challenge.
They particularly singled out unlicensed wines and spirits
and bars which they said were contravening almost all alcoholic regulations.
W.
Kimani Muiko, the Juja Sub-County Bar Owners Association Chairman, while
supporting the outcry, said the unlicensed joints were driving those who were
compliant out of business, a thing that should not be allowed to continue.
Photo/Liquor stakeholders attending
their meeting.
He said those who operate illegally are boasting they are
untouchable since they have god fathers.
He commended the County Government
under the auspices of Governor Dr. James Nyoro for consolidating liquor
licenses into one and for waiving 40% of license fee for year 2021. This
was meant to caution traders from the adverse effect of Covid-19 pandemic, said
the chairman.
Witeithie Ward MCA Julius Macharia Taki through a
representative Mary Ann Njeri Gachau, urged the liquor traders to speak
out their grievances. He said there was a cartel in the business with god
fathers which was disadvantageous to genuine operators.
Witeithie Ward Adm. Naomi said the Ward office which is near
completion at Nyacaba Chief’s Camp, will be opened soon to bring service closer
to the people. Muiko warned that wine and spirits joints which were selling loose
liquor to patrons, were likely to be abused thus posing serious peril to the
lives of the customers.
“If an unscrupulous attendant decides to get an extra
quick buck and mix the product with other substances, he/she will be
endangering the lives of unsuspecting and innocent patrons,” the
Association boss said.
Senior Chief Muchui Muiruri agreed that the issue of wines
and spirits need remedial measures. He said there is a case in court where a
form 3 student was found drinking at one of these joints. Reacting to the above
complaints, Juja Sub-County Administrator Selina Muriithi said investigations
had revealed that Witeithie Sub-Location alone, had over 50 wine and spirits
outlets yet the county government had licensed only 5.
She said while the County Government was committed to
empower, project and encourage fair business, those reaping from where
they never sowed will be wiped out soonest.
“We have employed a human face
in the issuance of liquor licenses, so those who want to do business should
come and apply for the same. If you will not have a license for 2021 you will
not get that of 2022 unless you pay for both on approval,” she
stated.
The Deputy Administrator Geoffrey Mbari said crackdown
of all those flouting alcoholic drinks regulations will commence in a
fortnight. Sub-County enforcement officer Samuel Mugo said they had already
mapped 8 notorious joints which will be raided anytime. He said among them is a
notorious bar which was condemned due to security reasons but had clandestinely
re-opened. Senior Chief Muiruri said he had personally arrested the
previous owner ten times.
Lucy Mumbi Thiga, Sub-County Health Officer, told bar and
hotel operators to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines and get
vaccinated against the virus. Sub-County Environment Officer Jane Macharia told
traders to keep their premises environmentally friendly at all times. She
discouraged burning of waste.
Photo/Selina Muriithi, Juja Sub-County Administrator
Juja Parliamentary Aspirants Alex Kinyanjui Kuria and Prof.
Joseph Kang’ethe said the liquor traders had suffered most during the Covid-19
pandemic and ought to be approached with human face.
Theta Ward Administrator Peter Mbuthia who was the MC
urged the traders to unite so that they can easily articulate their agendas.
Kalimoni Ward Administrator Kinuthia Thumbi condemned those selling liquor to
under age saying they were catalysts of the unrest that were being witnessed in
our schools in the country.
“Which parent or guardian would want to see his/her
child being sold liquor and drugs? ” he posed.
Nominated MCA, Lawrence Gitau told the County
enforcement department to crack down on the illegal traders. We should not
be seen as stamping up illegality,” he said.
Witeithie Deputy OCS Martin Murimi told bar operators to be
vigilant and immediately report any suspected terrorism persons/s. He said
traders must always display their valid original license at the counter of
their business.
A bar patron caused prolonged laughter when he said that
most customers were opting to drink from wine and spirits joints as bars were
riddled with thieves and people who sedate them. He urged the operators to
protect their patrons.
Muiko said the matter was being managed by the
association in collaboration with security agencies. At the end of the meeting,
Administrator Muriithi said a multi-agency squad will be dispatched in the area
to restore normalcy.
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