National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) in Kigumo Constituency have issued a firm warning to bar operators conducting business outside the stipulated hours that the law will be strictly enforced during the festive period.
The officials emphasized that the multi-agency crackdown will continue throughout the festive season, urging the public to cooperate fully to ensure a safe, orderly and incident-free holiday period.
Speaking at Kandani grounds in Kahumbu ward during an economic empowerment forum, the area Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Bernard Odino said the administration will intensify surveillance, particularly during Christmas and New Year festivities when illegal alcohol trade often spikes.
“We will follow the rules and regulations to the letter this festive season,” the ACC said.
The ACC revealed that a full-scale crackdown has already been launched across the constituency to flush out illicit brews, unlicensed bars, and rogue alcohol manufacturers.
“We will not only go for the small fish, the consumers and sellers, but also the manufacturers and suppliers,” he warned.
“Our dragnet will capture even the big players as we already have credible leads on the peddlers and sooner than later, we shall pounce on them,” Odino said.
“It is sad that our young men, in their most productive years, have been rendered unproductive because of alcoholism, leading to disintegration of homes. We will crack down the perpetrators, suppliers and manufacturers, and have them prosecuted to save our youth,” he said.
He further warned cattle thieves that the government will soon catch up with them, assuring residents that the administration was fully committed to protecting their property during the holiday season.
“Remember that security begins with you,” he urged. “Let us stay vigilant and take necessary security measure, try and secure your livestock and homesteads and we will do the rest,” he urged.
He noted it was no secret that the perpetrators of criminal activities were living amongst the community and it is paramount for the public to pass information to the administrators, promising the officers will act with confidentiality.
Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina echoed the sentiments, lamenting the rising cases of drug abuse and illicit alcohol consumption among the youth.
She urged residents to exercise restraint and prioritize their personal safety.
“Be responsible and ensure your safety first by shunning poisonous, adulterated drinks,” Maina said. “Do not drink all day, you need to work and earn a decent livelihood for your families. Even those who indulge should do so responsibly and within the legal hours,” she added.
Maina also challenged security agencies to stop focusing solely on low-level offenders and instead target the financiers and suppliers of illegal alcohol.
“If you arrest the barmaid and leave the person higher in the hierarchy untouched, how will we win the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse?” she posed. “Let us start with the suppliers and manufacturers because they are known,” she urged.
The woman representative further called on motorists and road users to exercise caution on the roads during the festive period, noting the alarming rise in road accidents that have wiped out people in the region.
“In Murang’a, we have recently buried many family members because of road carnage. Let us be careful on the road and mind other road users. Your family needs you alive.” she said
By Florence Kinyua
