Juja has been ranked as the top in alcohol consumption among 37 sub-counties in Central Kenya, according to area MP George Koimburi.
While regretting the unflattering and unenviable distinction, the lawmaker said he is saddened by the statistics released to a caucus of legislators from the area.
“It is very disturbing that our constituency is leading in the consumption and sale of alcohol in the entire Central region and as your leader, I am pained by this fact. We must take deliberate steps to reverse the trend,” Koimburi said.
Speaking during Jamuhuri Day celebrations at Maraba in Witeithie ward, Koimburi, who was accompanied by Juja Deputy County Commissioner Charles Muriithi, asked the administration to team up with the county government in the war against illicit brews and drugs.
“We are losing our generation to alcoholism and drugs. I am asking our hard-working police commander (Philis Muthoni) and our administration to team up with the county in fighting the menace,” Koimburi remarked.
The MP also said bars will not be allowed to operate near learning institutions or places of worship.
He also warned chiefs and security officers against operating bars as this brings a conflict of interest.
He spoke a day after Governor Kimani Wamatangi disbanded Kiambu county’s liquor licensing board in a bid to curb the consumption and sale of illicit brews.
Muriithi ordered a crackdown on illegal wines and spirits outlets as well as unlicensed bars, telling chiefs to lead from the front.
