Bars in Athi River to remain closed on poll day - DCC Wambugu

Athi River deputy county commissioner Charles Wambugu has ordered all bars in the sub-county to remain closed on August 9.

Wambugu said the sub-county's security committee had resolved to have them closed so as to ensure that all registered residents in Athi River sub-county cast their votes on the election day.

“We have just finished our sub-county security committee meeting. The main agenda was to discuss security coverage for the general election,” Wambugu said.

He addressed the press at his office in Athi River, Machakos County, on Friday.

“And we want to assure residents of Athi River sub-county that the committee has finalized plans in terms of deployment of officers for the coverage, and every polling station will be secured,” Wambugu said.

The administrator was flanked by Mavoko assistant county commissioner Abdi Mohammed and the sub-county Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit boss Mohammed Nur.

“We ask the residents to come out and exercise their constitutional rights of electing leaders of their choice. We have also agreed that we are going to close bars on August 9,” Wambugu said.

 “We urge bar operators within our jurisdiction to close shop on the poll day since the business of selling and taking beer will always be there. We have 365 days of doing that; engaging in selling and taking of alcohol. But we only have one day in five years to exercise our fundamental voting rights.” 

“So, we have agreed that on Tuesday, all bars in Athi River will close at 6.00 am and open on August 10. We have agreed with all the stakeholders, they will help us in that regard,” Wambugu said.

Wambugu urged residents to preach peace and don’t allow themselves to be politically misused by politicians to cause violence.

He said Kenyans should get to where they registered as voters so as to cast their votes.

“Athi River is cosmopolitan, we are porous. Stay where you are registered. If you are not registered in Athi River, go and vote where you are registered. When you cast your vote, go home peacefully and continue preaching peace,” Wambugu said.