Residents of Kigoro area in Gatanga sub-county, want the Murang’a county government to take stern action against illegal bars and other alcohol outlets operating in the area.
The residents held a peaceful demonstration at Kigoro shopping centre, expressing their concerns after the body of a middle-aged man was found outside one of the local bars.
The deceased had reportedly gone missing for two days, only for his body to be found lying outside the bar.
The agitated residents argued that the deceased was apparently addicted to alcoholism, and his death could have been caused by heavy drinking.
The locals claimed there is only one shop in the centre, and more than 10 bars wondering how the liquor outlets were licensed.
They stated that most men from the area have indulged themselves in excessive drinking, thus becoming irresponsible.
One of the residents, Rebecca Wangui, faulted the county administration for failing to regulate the number of bars in the area.
She noted that the proliferation of bars in the area has lured many young men into alcoholism, reducing them into zombies.
“Once our husbands and sons step out of home, their first stop is in a bar, and they spend the entire day drinking, which is wasting away their lives.
We want all the bars in this area closed indefinitely because they are even operating during daytime, which is against the law,” observed Wangui
He continued, “A few weeks ago, we buried another man who died of alcohol-related complications, and I know of a few other people who cannot get out of bed because their health has since deteriorated.”
Meanwhile, alcoholism remains a menace in the central Kenya region, leading to numerous deaths over the years, despite concerted government efforts to eradicate the vice.
By Bernard Munyao
