- Ruto spoke on Wednesday during the Third National Wage Bill Conference 2024, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.
- The crackdown has seen opposition from several political leaders and persons from the private sector.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has hit out at leaders who have raised issues with the state's directive on the closure of bars to fight alcoholism and drug abuse.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki have on different occasions since 2023, issued directives on the closure of bars.
The crackdown has seen opposition from several political leaders and persons from the private sector.
Pointing this out, President Ruto noted that some people have been chasing popularity instead of working for the interest of the public.
Ruto spoke on Wednesday during the Third National Wage Bill Conference 2024, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.
"We have a whole Cabinet Secretary, we are having a conversation about drug abuse, alcoholism and you have leaders who are saying 'No you shouldn't be closing bars you are mistreating people'. Really?" he asked.
"We must stop chasing what is popular and do what is right."
In March, the government shut down 9,269 uncompliant liquor stores in the ongoing crackdown on illicit brews.
The closure of the premises took place between March 8 and March 31, 2024, data from the Ministry of Interior indicates.
At the same time, 150 shisha outlets were closed.
CS Kindiki on March 6, outlawed the advertisement, promotion, or distribution of shisha.
The CS noted that establishments found to sell the same will be shut down.
"The importation, manufacture, sale, use, advertisement, promotion or distribution of shisha is outlawed in the country, any establishment found in breach of this provision will be shut down with immediate effect," he said.
Earlier, Kindiki said the government is determined to lose its popularity if that is what it takes to win the battle against drugs.
"We have decided in this administration that we better lose popularity than lose this war," he said.
Ruto also implicated the government leaders who have been supporting the doctors' strike, which is now in its fifth week.
Ruto said the government cannot afford to give in to the doctors' demands at the moment, as there are "real issues we want to deal with".
"We have a doctors' challenge. We have leaders including governors saying 'We support the doctors' strike'. Really?"
The President said those who support the strike should go ahead and pay the demanded amount.
Doctors are demanding the posting of interns; payment of fees for doctors on postgraduate training; extension of contracts for UHC staff; payment of arrears of basic salaries as per the 2017 CBA and provision of comprehensive medical insurance.