MCA decries the alarming increase of illicit brew outlets.

Witeithie MCA Julius Taki at a previous function in his ward.

Witeithie Ward MCA Julius Taki Macharia (Macha) has decried the alarming increase of unlicensed brew outlets in Kiambu County and has called on the County Government to reverse the trend.

Speaking during a public participation forum to discuss the proposed Kiambu County Alcoholic Bill 2017 held at Juja Premier Bag & Cordage grounds, Macharia cited Witeithie Ward as an example which had a total of 210 liquor outlets yet only 67 were licensed.

The proposed bill seeks to scale down police and Chiefs’ involvement in the fight against illicit brews and alcohol trade and delegate the implementation to the county inspectorate an enforcement officers.

While making their contributions, Amos Kibe, a bar owner in Juja sought to have the operating hours be increased to start at midday and close at midnight. He also called for stringent measures to wipe out illicit brews as according to him, they were a threat to genuine alcohol traders notwithstanding a health risk.

J. Wainaina called on all bars located within residential plots and the numerous wines and spirit joints be eliminated.

He concurred with his counterpart that the government reconsider the operating hours by at least adding more time.

Bar owners accused the police officers of harassing genuine bar owners whom they accused of demanding ‘protection fee’ and other forms of bribery. They suggested that both the police and 

Chiefs should instead focus on fighting illicit brews like Chang'aa and other narcotics.

Among those in attendance included the Juja Sub-County Administrator John Mungai, Kiambu County Alcoholic Drinks Director, Mike Kang'ethe, Chiefs and police officers led by Juja Deputy OCPD.