Overview: Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has publicly accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of failing to address the proliferation of illicit brews within the Mt Kenya region. While defending former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s record on the matter, government statistics confirm a significant nationwide crackdown involving the closure of thousands of liquor outlets and illegal distilleries.
The Full Story
Kuria stated that Gachagua was serious about fighting illicit alcohol during his tenure in government, contrasting this with the current holder of the Deputy President’s office. In a post on X, Kuria expressed disagreement with political decision-making regarding Rigathi Gachagua while singling out his approach to illicit brews for praise. The criticism follows a video circulating where a woman appealed to the community to take action against excessive drinking and illicit alcohol.
Speaking from atop a grave, she warned that alcohol was destroying families and putting the future of young people at risk. Kuria remarked that the situation would have been different if stronger action had been taken against illicit brews. This political discourse occurs as the government continues a nationwide crackdown on illegal alcohol in Nairobi and Kenya.
What This Means
The fight against illicit alcohol has remained a major issue in Mt Kenya, with leaders repeatedly raising concerns about its impact on young people and families. In September, officials reported that 18,650 liquor outlets had been closed, including 12,150 operating without licences and 6,500 licensed premises found to have breached the Alcohol Control Act. Fourteen illegal distilleries were also shut down during this period.
The government has also reported thousands of raids and the seizure of hundreds of thousands of litres of illegal brews and counterfeit alcohol. These figures underscore the ongoing regulatory efforts to mitigate the risks associated with unlicensed premises and illegal production methods across the nation.
Consumer Takeaway
This news highlights the ongoing efforts to secure the market against unlicensed premises and illegal distilleries across Nairobi and Kenya. For the drinker, the data indicates a significant reduction in available illicit products following the closure of 18,650 outlets and the seizure of hundreds of thousands of litres of counterfeit alcohol.
Source: Read the original article
