Uasin Gishu County has launched a crackdown aimed at weeding out illicit brewers and drugs.
The County police commandant Benjamin Mwathi warned bar owners to adhere to the laid down guidelines.
“We have apprehended brewers across the county. We have some notorious brewers in Kapseret, especially in Langas estate and other areas and have arrested and taken to court,
“We also have several who have quit the business and we want to encourage those involved to abandon these businesses and get involved in another meaningful way to eke a livelihood,” added the county police boss.
This week, he said that police arrested 21 illicit brewers. Some illicit brew seized includes 1687 liters of chang’aa and 1100 litres of busaa with a projected fine Sh3.1 million.
He added that some bar owners were flouting regulations that include repackaging liquor and selling to minors.
“We have noted that some wines and spirits allow people to consume within the premises which is against the law. We also have bar owners who operate past the set time of 5am and 11 pm,
“We are warning them that firm action will be taken against those who flout these regulations,” added Mr Mwathi.
The county police boss further appealed to members of the public to volunteer information to local chiefs, police stations and local leaders to enable police to take stern action against them.
Last week, President William Ruto at a church function in Eldoret decried the rising alcohol and substance use in the country, especially among young people.
He appealed to the parents to take the lead to mentor the children even as the country stares at serious drug and substance use among young people.
Dr Ruto said that his administration had appointed a new member of Nacada board to steer war against drug and substance use in the country.
“I want to tell parents to look after their children and all children. I recently appointed a new board of Nacada but we need collective efforts so that as we take lead at the government level, we all join these efforts to tackle this crisis,” explained President Ruto.
Recently, Uasin Gishu county commissioner Edison Nyale said that they formed a multi-agency team to crack down on illicit brew.
Dr Nyale warned the boda boda operators and landlord owners against being used to hide the criminals.
“We are putting on notice those boda boda who are being used to engage in criminal activities that they will be arrested,” said the county administrator.
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