The Murang’a County Government has been urged to review the issuance of bar licenses, following the recent rise in the sale and consumption of illicit brews in the region.
The call has been made by the Murang’a County Women Representative Betty Maina, who spoke at an empowerment forum in Gitugi Ward, Kangema constituency.
This comes amid increasing reports of the mushrooming of bars operating illegally while selling cheap, adulterated alcohol, often leading to public disturbances and health risks leading to hospitalization and even deaths.
“The County Liquor Licensing Board must thoroughly scrutinize bar operators applying for licenses to ensure compliance with the law because what is the essence of gaining revenue at the expense of losing lives of our young men and perennial poverty linked to the same?” Maina posed.
The women rep accused the county government of issuing bar licenses without proper scrutiny, adding, “It is needless and detrimental to have up to five bars operating in one shopping center because sadly in this county, bars and liquor stores are more than even churches and other places of worship. We need healthy people. What is development without sane or capable young men? she lamented.
Maina noted that it was time to enforce strict checks on all bar operators applying for licenses to ensure they follow the regulations and operate responsibly.
“The growth of illegal alcohol sales is a threat to social order, especially for our youth. We must work together across our county to tackle this menace,” added Maina.
The woman rep further called on the national government administrative officers to intensify crackdowns on businesses suspected of selling illicit brews.
“Those abetting illegal brews should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law so as to curb this menace once and for all. Let’s not just go after the barmaids, yet the owners who are the big fish remain free: tomorrow they will bring in a new barmaid, and the trade will go on,” she said.
Maina also called on families to avoid unnecessary succession and land-related conflicts, which more often than not end up in injuries and even deaths.
“For parents, let your children learn from an early age that hard work pays. That way we will reduce the many conflicts in our families that are resulting in killings related to fierce succession battles.
The moment you kill your brother or sister and go to jail, the very land you were fighting for will no longer be beneficial to any of you,” she reiterated.
Meanwhile, Maina also advocated for mental health awareness by encouraging residents to pay closer attention to their psychological wellbeing .
“We are losing lives daily; let us show compassion and encourage one another to speak up when faced with overwhelming life challenges,” she said.
By Florence Kinyua
