Leaders and Witeithie ward residents in Juja subcounty have protested the increase of illegal liquor outlets in the area.
Speaking during a ward liquor stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, residents accused the county government and law enforcement officers of ignoring the escalating menace.
They singled out unlicensed wines and spirits and bars they said were contravening almost all alcohol regulations.
Kimani Muiko, Juja subcounty bar owners association chairman, said the unlicensed joints were driving out those who complained.
“Those who operate illegally are boasting because they are untouchable. We call on the authorities to crack the whip and shut them immediately,” Muiko said.
He warned that wine and spirits joints which were selling loose liquor to patrons were likely to be abused thus posing serious peril to customers.
“If an unscrupulous attendant decides to get an extra quick buck and mix the product with other substances, they will be endangering the lives of unsuspecting and innocent patrons,” Muiko said.
He commended the county leadership for consolidating liquor licenses into one and for waiving 40 per cent of the license fee this year.
“This was meant to caution traders from the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the chairman said.
Senior chief Muchui Muiruri said the issue of wines and spirits needed remedial measures.
Juja subcounty administrator Selina Muriithi said investigations had revealed that Witeithie sub-location had over 50 wine and spirits outlets yet only five were licenced.
She said while the county government was committed to empowering, project and encouraging fair business, those reaping from where they never sowed will be wiped out soon.
“Those who want to do business should apply for the liquor licence. If you will not have the 2021 licence, you will not be issued with 2022 one,” Muriithi said.
Witeithie deputy administrator Geoffrey Mbari said a crackdown of all those flouting alcoholic drinks regulations will start in a fortnight.
He said they had already mapped eight notorious joints, among them a bar which was condemned due to security reasons but had clandestinely re-opened.
“We should not be seen as stamping up illegality. We will hunt these illegal traders and bring them to book,” he said.
Lucy Mumbi Thiga, subcounty health officer, urged bar and hotel operators to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines and get vaccinated.
Juja parliamentary aspirants Alex Kinyanjui Kuria and Joseph Kang'ethe said liquor traders had suffered most during the Covid-19 pandemic and ought to be approached with a human face.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
