Over 18,000 bars and distilleries have been closed in the last month as part of an ongoing campaign
The Kenyan government has defended a controversial campaign to close thousands of illegal bars and breweries across the country as part of an ongoing crackdown on alcoholism and substance abuse.
Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has insisted that the government won’t give up the fight to reign in the illicit alcohol trade.
“Some people want to fight the President, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and myself. It is okay but we’re telling them to brace themselves for a fight because we will shut down all those distilleries and bars,” he claimed.
Since launching a new initiative on March 6, the government has closed over 18,000 establishments and destroyed brewing equipment. Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has insisted that the government retains the authority to cancel licenses and that any paperwork issued in violation of the country’s 2010 Alcoholic Drinks Control Act is invalid.
The nationwide law enforcement initiative has resulted in 258 suspects being apprehended and brought to court. Additionally, 15 kilograms of cannabis have been confiscated, and 22 pharmacies have been closed.
The authorities have also closed approximately 5,000 liquor outlets and revoked their licenses due to their proximity to educational institutions and churches. A local news agency reported on Sunday that the town of Karatina in Nyeri has prohibited alcohol outright.
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