The Government has cancelled licenses issued to nine bar operators in the Nchurra Eobori area of Narok Central Sub-County following demonstrations by hundreds of women over increasing consumption of illicit brews.
The women who matched to the County Commissioner’s office complained of sexual harassment and assault by drunk men, alleging that a number of women and girls had been sexually abused and assaulted while on their way to or from fetching water from the river or firewood from the bush.
They claimed that the bars did not follow the laid-down regulations and instead opened their premises during working hours and sold cheap alcohol that is not authorised by the government.
Pastor Judy Kishoyian, who was among the protestors, said she had started counselling a number of girls and women who had been sexually harassed.
“The women are dragged into maize plantations or nearby forests, where they are raped, then the culprits disappear. Many women shy away from reporting the incidences and only a few will disclose the trauma they underwent,” she told a meeting at the County Commissioner’s Conference Hall.
Another woman, Mary Kosen, decried the increased rate of drug abuse among high school and college students, which compromised their studies.
“The trend is worrying because we as parents pay alot to educate our children, yet they are getting lost in drinking dens. They do not help in domestic or farm activities and instead spend time drinking,” she lamented.
The area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Kennedy Mwangome, who met the women at the Commissioner’s Conference Room, reiterated the government’s commitment to protect all citizens, warning anyone selling alcoholic drinks in the area risks arrest and prosecution.
He warned those who make and sell alcoholic drinks in their homes that their days were numbered, as security had been tightened in the area to curb the increasing cases of illicit brew.
The area Sub-County Police Commander, John Momanyi, confirmed that the police were on alert to ensure no unlicensed dealer was selling alcoholic drinks.
By Ann Salaton
