Kabogo hits out at Waititu over bar raids

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and County Commissioner Esther Maina have castigated Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu’s use of crude means to fight sale of illicit brew.

Speaking separately, Kabogo and Maina have said it was wrong for Waititu to lead youth in disregarding the rule of law in tackling the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol in Kiambu County.

The leaders said most alcohol traders affected by actions of the MP and youth accompanying him in the raids had genuine licenses from the county government and urged Waititu to let police do their work.

On Saturday, Waititu embarked on a murky path with an angry mob behind him.

Together they raided bars mainly at Wangige and Gikuni shopping centres.

Their main aim was to address the excessive consumption of liquor that they claimed had been exacerbated by the greed of bar owners.

The youth, who raided the bars and spilled alcohol, were also accused of massive looting.

Bar owners claim they lost over Sh20 million in the incident and they now intend to sue waititu.

However, during an interview on Citizen TV’s power breakfast show, Waititu defended his actions, saying legal means had failed to address the alcohol abuse problem that continues to plague parts of Central Kenya.

Waititu further claimed that the majority of his constituents were in support of his actions.

He accused bar owners of greed and vowed to use any means necessary to address the problem.