Muslim leaders want all bars in Mombasa closed during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
They said Governor Hassan Joho should reduce the number of bars by regulating the issuance of permits once the long-month fasting period ends because they are too many compared to churches and mosques.
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Muslim year during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. It starts Monday.
Led by Nacada director Sheikh Juma Ngao, the religious leaders said bars continue to outnumber learning institutions.
“A distance of at least 300 metres is required between a learning institution and a drinking joint, but what is happening in Mombasa is contrary to this requirement,” Ngao said during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Tononoka Grounds on Wednesday.
“The law also requires that a certain number of bars be set in particular place.”
Ngao said "too many" bars are just few steps from these institutions.
“Look at the Shanzu Teachers Training College, for instance. How many bars surround the school?” he said.
Ngao said if the bars cannot be reduced they should be closed permanently.
He said some bars have been licensed to operate next to a mosque, which is against religious beliefs and norms.
“Just next to a mosque here in Mombasa Stadium, there are eight bars. On Sunday they extend their drinking space next to the door of the mosques,” Ngao complained.
He suggested that during Ramadhan, drunkards should look for luxurious joints “like Whitesands Hotel, where one drink goes for Sh2,000 or Sh2,500”.
Ngao said the rate of alcohol abuse is alarming. Four out of 10 schoolgoers between the age of 12 and 18 abuse alcohol and other forms of drugs, he said.
“This means that alcohol is being sold in schools.”