The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Ðrúg Abúse (NACADA) has shut down several non-compliant liquor stores in Kasarani and Mwiki during a crackdown conducted on Wednesday night, August 14, 2024.
In a statement on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the authority noted that the operation was conducted together with a multi-agency team drawn from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and officials from Nairobi County.
During the impromptu crackdown, several persons were apprehended for operating beyond the stipulated hours.
Section 34 of the Alcóhólí© Drinks Control Act stipulates that bars should operate from 5 pm to 11 pm during the weekdays. On weekends, they can operate from 2 pm to 11 pm.
The directive is part of the government’s new action measures on eradication of illicit brews and drúg and substance abúse.
According to NACADA’s statement, seven individuals were nabbed for operating beyond the stipulated hours and will be arraigned in court.
“During the operation, seven persons were arrested for various offences including operating without valid licenses and operating beyond stipulated hours, and will be arraigned in court to face charges,” NACADA’s statement read in part.
Shut down
Other operators were directed to close their premises until further notice. The order according to NACADA is to allow the authority to process and determine their eligibility to operate.
However, NACADA did not specify the number of liquor stores that were shut down during the operation.
“The non-compliant premises were also shut down awaiting further processing. The Authority continues to partner with other stakeholders in the fight against alcohol and drúg abúse in the country.”
Gachagua’s push
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been at the forefront of fighting drúg abúse and illicit brew. The Second in Command has more than once emphasised that the war must continue uninterrupted so that the young generation can be saved.
“As a truthful leader, I said I have put leaders on notice; anybody who tries to interfere with it, we shall call you by name so that the people of Kenya can shame you,” he recently stated.
“As a government, we want to tell the merchants of deaths; those who thrive on making a profit by manufacturing, distilling, and distributing poison disguised as alcohol, your days are numbered,” he added.
