Bendera Residents March in Protest of Rampant Alcohol Trade

West Pokot County Commisioner Khalifa Abdulahi at a past function.PHOTO/Courtesy

By Benson Aswani,

The Commissioner of West Pokot county, Khalifa Abdulahi, has strongly warned the chiefs and their deputies who will allow alcohol businesses to be run in their administrative areas without a license that legal action will be taken.

While addressing the residents of Bendera in the Kapenguria constituency on Monday 27th who organized a peaceful protest to complain about the rampant alcohol trade, Khalifa sounded the strong alarm.

At the time the Police County boss also strongly warned the officers of the security department who will be found involved in the illegal trade.

In addition, khalifa has announced that the licenses of all bars that serve the area without complying with the established regulations will be cancelled.

Likewise, he as well instructed the deputy commissioner of Kapenguria sub-county in cooperation with the committee that focuses on alcohol to run the residence and take the licenses of the bars.

Meanwhile residents of the area organized a peaceful protest to press for the closure of the bars that they say have led to an increase in cases of insecurity.

Further,the residents filed claims with the County Commisioner that their complaints have been ignored in the past due to the fact that some of the bars are owned by police officers.

On the other hand,the strict measures comes in just three days after the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that stringent measures will be rolled out to wipe out illicit brews and drugs destroying the lives of hundreds of Kenyans beginning Monday 26th February 2024.

“We are determined to make our country safe from these killer drinks and make sure the manufacturers of these drinks will leave this country for good,” said Rigathi.

At the time, the Deputy President said it would not be business as usual as destructive drinks kill people and maim others, promising tougher response to effectively deal with the vice.

Speaking on Saturday at Kapserton SDA Church in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County, Gachagua said the Ruto Administration is working on tougher interventions vowing coordinated enforcement by various government agencies.