• State has suspended licenses for all manufacturers of second-generation alcohol
• The DP said some forces have approached, warning him of political consequences
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday said he is willing to pay the political price in the fight against illicit brews in the country.
Speaking at a service in PCEA Gateway in Roysambu, Nairobi county, he said some forces have approached him to go slow in the crackdown.
He said they are selling subtle threats that those in the sector may fight back to frustrate his political interests in 2027.
“I was not born with the Deputy President seat. I have lived all these years without the seat,” Gachagua said.
“If I will lose my seat because I am against selling our youths poison, I am ready.”
Present were Nairobi Governor Johnston Sakaja and area MP Augustine Mwafrica.
Gachagua said illicit brews were almost wiping out an entire generation were it not for the government's recent efforts to rein in the sector.
He said the crackdown will continue, adding that no brewers will be allowed to operate before meeting the set standards.
Those who have complied with the government standards will not be affected, he said.
He assured Kenyans that the administration is on course in the war to stamp out illicit brews as well as drug and substance abuse.
“There is no pride in leading a drunken nation. We want to lead a productive people,” he said.
The DP’s tough talk comes days after the government stepped up measures to curb illicit brews, drug and substance abuse in the country.
The measures announced by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki followed a recent incident where more than 20 people died from the consumption of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga county.
In the new strategy, the government suspended licences for all manufacturers of second-generation alcohol.
Kindiki said they will have to apply afresh for the licences.
"All licences and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers issued by Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards stand suspended with immediate effect," he said.
In addition to that, all existing valid licences will be vetted afresh within 21 days.
Last month, Kindiki ranked the illicit brew menace with bandits and terrorists.
While speaking in Kirinyaga, the CS said he would be ruthless in the war against illicit brews.
"We are going to treat it (illicit brew menace) the way we have treated the problem of terrorism and banditry — by having a continuous permanent operation until this problem is gone," Kindiki said.
He also ordered a nationwide crackdown on all village bars across the country.