DP Rigathi Gachagua has told all county administrators in Mount Kenya region to start enforcing a one bar per town directive he issued a week ago, adding that all entertainment joints must only operate from 5pm to 11pm.
The agitated DP, who was speaking Thursday at Ihura stadium in Murang’a town, also directed county governments from the region not to renew bar licences when they expire, arguing that they are the reason many Mount Kenya youth are perishing from drug and alcohol abuse.
“All county governments in Mount Kenya region must reduce and revoke licences issued to bars and restaurants because they are the ones destroying the lives of our young generation…It is sad that bars in this region are more than shops. I must tell the truth because the situation in our towns and villages is wanting,” he said.
Mr Gachagua then directed all National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and the police to begin a crackdown on entertainment joints that have been operating on a 24-hour basis.
“We have directed all administration officers and the police to assist in fighting illicit brews and drugs. I want to categorically state here in Murang’a that we will not accept our children to continue perishing from illicit brew yet there are chiefs, assistant chiefs, county commissioners and the police. I will not tolerate any officer who does not help the fight against drugs and illicit brew,” he added.
He also blamed the government of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for using the administration officers to popularise Azimio in the region “instead of taming the entertainment sector”.
Murang’a woman representative Betty Maina and Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro also assured the DP of their support.
“We will regret in future if we allow our generation to perish. It is time to act. That is why I am requesting that all leaders join DP Gachagua in this fight,” Mr Munyoro said.
