Kapsabet,
Monday, June 3, 2024
KNA by Geoffrey Satia
Security agencies in Chemundu Ward, Nandi County are on high alert following a revelation that certain people are now using backpacks to carry banned liquor to their targeted customers as war against illicit brew intensifies.
The new trend is believed to have emerged after the closure of all illegitimate bars and dens around the area with some locations reporting alcohol free zones.
According to the area Member of County Assembly Julius Kipruto, most people around Chemundu have left consumption of liquor because the government introduced laws that resulted to the closure of all bars.
“We have few people who are walking with ‘bars’. Anybody who has beards and walking with backpack, should be asked which school is he coming from?” Kiprotu suggested during the celebration of Madaraka Day at Chemundu Secondary School.
The MCA insisted that locals should report to the relevant authorities any person carrying suspicious back or undisclosed stuff in their pockets.
“Any grown-up person carrying suspicious back or luggage should be asked to prove by showing openly the consignment being moved,” he added.
He noted that out of public participation his people declared that they didn’t want beer but they asked him to champion for education through opening of new schools, colleges and other institutions of learning.
He warned that those promoting mobile bars that there days are numbered and that police will deal with them.
Kipruto challenged people determined to drink beer to always visit licensed bars and stick to drinking safe beer only than consuming poisonous substance that can destroy bodies.
Nandi County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili said police and other relevant security have been directed to deal with those carrying illegal liquor in their backs.
Commissioner Nzwili however asked the locals to give out reports on they suspect behind the business including the source of the outlawed brew.She noted that government will not relent on closure of bars near schools, residential areas as this was government directive.
Nzwili however warned government officers on illicit brew war to stick to the government directive and enforce the law.
She directed operating bar owners to operate within stipulated hours and they should sell genuine beer onlyThe County Commissioner thanked elders for playing critical role to end consumption of beer in Chesumei.
Nzwili further said those threatening chiefs while enforcement fight against illicit brew that they will be arrested and face the law.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang while addressing Chesumei residents during Madaraka Day celebrations appealed to the County Commissioner to deal with those using backpacks to sell outlawed beer.
“I am appealing to you as the county commissioner and entire security team. Please reign on these people who are carrying outlawed liquor in their backpacks,” he said.
The strong cooperation between the National and County Government in dealing with illicit brew has yielded fruits in Nandi. Regular meetings and streamlining of bar licensing has registered a success.
Courtesy; KNA