Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Mwajuma has issued a stern warning to bar owners selling illicit alcohol in the county, urging them to cease the practice immediately. This warning comes as security agencies step up their crackdown on the vice across the county. During a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers and security officials, Mwajuma revealed that security agencies had made significant seizures of illicit alcohol between August 1 and September 30, 2026.
According to Mwajuma, security agencies confiscated 283 litres of Makavo, 49 litres of Muratina, and seven kilogrammes of bhang, as well as 432 rolls of the same. She emphasized that the county was not just talking about the issue, but was taking actual action to combat illicit brew. Mwajuma also disclosed that 54 cases related to illicit alcohol offences were currently before the courts, while 28 suspects had been arrested and presented to court during a three-day Rapid Response Initiative.
The County Commissioner also revealed that security teams had raided 10 bars in Kirinyaga West Sub-County, uncovering various violations, including operating outside stipulated hours and lacking health compliance certificates. She urged bar operators to obtain all required licences and certificates, citing the need to protect customers from unsafe premises. Mwajuma also called on the County Government to ensure that safety and health requirements are met before issuing licenses.
Mwajuma expressed concern over bars operating close to schools, hospitals, and residential areas, noting that it was improper to issue licenses to such establishments. She suggested that chiefs and local residents should be involved in scrutinizing proposed bars, citing the need for greater public participation in the licensing process. The County Commissioner also appealed to judicial officers to impose higher fines on offenders convicted of illicit alcohol-related offences.
State House Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, also addressed the issue, warning that the government would not tolerate the practice of involving underage children in the alcohol trade. He emphasized that the crackdown would focus on protecting children from alcohol, which he said was threatening the younger generation. Itumbi appealed to the Judiciary to impose the maximum fines provided for by law on people convicted of offences linked to illicit alcohol.
Itumbi announced that the government, in collaboration with NACADA, KEBS, and KRA, would integrate rehabilitation into the ongoing crackdown to ensure people battling alcohol addiction receive support. He also warned manufacturers and suppliers transporting alcohol into Kirinyaga during the night, announcing the establishment of roadblocks across the county. Itumbi pledged tougher enforcement against those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol.
The authorities have intensified their crackdown on illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga, with a focus on protecting children and ensuring public safety. The government has urged bar operators to comply with regulations and obtain necessary licences and certificates. The County Commissioner and State House official have also appealed to the Judiciary to impose stiffer penalties on offenders to deter the vice.
Key points
- Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Mwajuma warns bar owners selling illicit alcohol to stop.
- Security agencies seize 283 litres of Makavo, 49 litres of Muratina, and seven kilogrammes of bhang.
- Authorities to integrate rehabilitation into crackdown on illicit alcohol.
