Mutahi Kahiga, the Governor of Nyeri County, has ordered the immediate closure of all bars in Gatitu town following growing public concern over the widespread sale of illicit and counterfeit alcohol.
In a decisive move, the county boss directed the County Alcoholic Drinks Control Licensing Committee to revoke all existing bar licences pending fresh vetting.
“I am very disturbed. The time for negotiating and strategizing is over. It is the time for enforcement because as we are busy talking, our people are still getting drunk and lying dead in the mortuary,” Kahiga said.
Mass licence revocation and fresh vetting
The directive means all bars and liquor outlets in Gatitu must cease operations immediately as authorities begin a comprehensive review process.
The County Alcoholic Drinks Control Licensing Committee, working alongside enforcement officers, will oversee the vetting and re-issuance of licences only to operators who meet the required standards.
Governor Kahiga also ordered the revocation of all liquor distribution permits in the town, signalling a broader crackdown targeting both sellers and suppliers.
Concerns over rising number of bars
The governor raised alarm over the high number of liquor outlets operating within the small town, questioning how a population of fewer than 20,000 residents could sustain nearly 30 bars.
“I have heard that there are 38 bars in Gatitu. This is ridiculous! Starting from today I have directed that all bars operating in Gatitu be shut down with immediate effect,” he declared.
According to the county leadership, some of the establishments were operating without licences, while others were using fake permits, exposing serious enforcement gaps.
Cap on number of bars introduced
As part of the new measures, Kahiga announced that the number of bars allowed to operate in the town will be reduced to a maximum of 10.
The move is intended to bring order to the sector and curb the proliferation of illegal alcohol outlets that have been blamed for rising health and safety concerns.
Officials say stricter controls will be implemented to ensure compliance and accountability among operators.
Tough stance against illicit alcohol
The governor warned that the county government will not tolerate the sale or distribution of illicit alcohol, vowing to take firm action against offenders.
“If any of the affected feels like this is too much for them, they are welcome to sue the county. But we shall not sit and watch as counterfeit liquor is being sold to our people in this county,” he said.
The crackdown reflects growing pressure on county governments to address the dangers of illicit brews, which have been linked to deaths and long-term health complications in several parts of the country.
Next steps for traders and residents
Bar owners will now be required to undergo fresh vetting, with only compliant businesses expected to resume operations.
For residents, the move is likely to disrupt nightlife in the short term but is expected to improve public safety and reduce alcohol-related harm in the long run.
The county government has urged the public to cooperate with authorities and report any illegal alcohol activities as enforcement efforts intensify.
