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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed that the government will not relent in its fight against illicit brews.

He said the government will from this week issue more stringent measures in the fight against production and consumption of alcoholic drinks in the country.

According to Gachagua, after the ongoing review which saw closure of clubs and restaurants for 21 days in various counties, new licences will be issued in compliance with the new regulations.

Speaking during the inauguration of new African Inland Church (AIC) Bishop in Nandi county yesterday, Gachagua said the time of operation of the drinking dens will be limited.

“Bar owners will be only licensed to operate between 5pm and 11pm daily. We cannot allow people to spent the whole day drinking at expense of their health and livelihoods,” said the DP.

He said the ministry of Interior among other government agencies are doing an overhaul of drug abuse and illicit brews in the country, adding that legal action will be taken against the peddlers of poisonous substances.

“County Commissioners, police and provisional administrators have been served with an order of making sure that illicit brews are stemmed out in the community. There is no room for complacency or negotiation on the reforms set to end lethal alcoholic substance in the country,” said the DP.

Adversely linked

He warned security personnel who have been adversely linked to illicit brew menace and aiding the perpetrators will be shown the door.

“This time round there will be no transfers to be issued to the chiefs, police or county commissioners on account that they failed in their duties,” said the DP.

“Any officer who will fail to deliver as mandated will be sacked, that’s the only option we can have as a government that is responsible in protecting the lives of its citizens,” he warned during ceremony that was held at Kapsabet Bible College.

Earlier, Gachagua visited Kapsabet Boys High School where he condoled with students and teachers following the Saturday afternoon accident in Baringo County which claimed a student and a teacher.
The over 60 students were headed for an academic tour at Lake Bogoria where their school bus lost control and veered off the road at Patkawanini area along Kabarnet-Marigat Road.

Gachagua assured the school that the government will assist them in offsetting the medical bills and burial of the deceased.

“We are with you during this difficult moment of grief. President William Ruto who is an alumnus of this school has personally conveyed his message of condolences to you,” Gachagua said at the school accompanied by Education Principal Secretary Dr Bellio Kipsang and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.

Scores of other students sustained injuries during 1pm accident and are admitted at the Baringo County Referral Hospital in Kabarnet and the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.

Leaders who attended the ordination ceremony included Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei, MPs: Paul Biego (Chesumei) Joses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop).

Governor Sang said that the churches are established institutions in the community that should be involved in the fight against alcohol menace in the country.

He called upon the national government and the counties to bring on board the church leaders to deliberate on the measures to put in place in the crackdown on alcohol.