Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed county commissioners to ensure bars operate within the set government hours of 5 pm to 11 pm.
Gachagua said day-drinking cannot be condoned adding that some bars are going against government directives on operating hours.
“Bars should not be opened day and night. The bars that have licences to operate should be opened at 5 pm then those that want to drink can do so till 11 pm when they go home and sleep,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua noted that county commissioners are so far doing a good job in the fight against alcohol and substance abuse.
The DP said officers found to be aiding or abetting those selling illicit brew will lose their jobs.
Gachagua said the officers should ensure all illicit-alcohol-selling-dens remain closed.
“Let no one sell poison to Kenyans in the pretext of alcohol,” he said.
The Deputy President reiterated that the government will spare no efforts to combat the sale of illicit brew in the country.
Gachagua spoke on Sunday when he joined worshippers to witness the installation of new bishops at Kapsabet AIC Church in Emgwen, Nandi County.
On March 10, Gachagua said he is willing to pay the ultimate political price in the fight against illicit brew.
Speaking at a service in PCEA Gateway in Roysambu, Nairobi county, he said some forces have approached him to go slow on the crackdown.
“I was not born with the Deputy President seat. I have lived all these years without the seat,” Gachagua said.
“If I will lose my seat because I am against selling our youths poison, I am ready.”
Gachagua said illicit brews were almost wiped out an entire generation were it not for the government’s recent efforts to rein in the sector.
He said the crackdown will continue, adding that no brewers will be allowed to operate before meeting the set standards.
