Kabarnet,
Thursday, March 14, 2024
KNA by Moses Lando/Joshua Kibet
Seven people have been arrested and 535 litres of illicit brews impounded in Baringo Central Sub County since the ongoing countrywide crackdown on second generation alcoholic drinks and substance abuse started last week.
Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Monicah Ithatwa said that they have also shut down all bars and alcoholic outlets following the national suspension of alcoholic licenses by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.
Briefing KNA on the progress of the crackdown in her Kabarnet office, the Deputy County Commissioner stated that most of the licenses had expired and were yet to be renewed since 2013 but hastened to add that some of the operators were in business because they had made the renewal application.
Mrs. Ithatwa said that during a sub county security committees meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by County Commissioner Stephen Kutswa, it was resolved that respective sub-county teams commence inspection of premises and licensing processes as from Monday next week.
“We have invited all bar owners to a meeting on Thursday where they will be sensitized on the laws and regulations governing alcoholic drinks businesses before we can inspect and clear them for licensing,” revealed Ithatwa.
She clarified that it was not illegal to sell second generation brews if it is a genuine brand and for the police to arrest wines and spirits operators, they must collaborate with KEBS to certify whether the liquor is good or bad for human consumption.
The DCC said that they were privy to information that some unscrupulous dealers were using boda boda operators to distribute some of the second generation drinks across the region at night to evade security dragnet.
The administrator said that her office has put in place an elaborate mechanism to establish the source of the alcoholic drinks and the perpetrators.
Courtesy; KNA