Nakuru bar owners accuse county of harassment

Nakuru bar operators are now accusing the county liquor licensing board of harassment and soliciting of bribes to approve their applications for licenses.

The operators claim the board officials are conducting inspection of all bars but have been demanding for a bribe of Ksh 5,000 from the operators to allow them continue with business, claims the board terms as malicious and unfounded.

Nakuru Town East Sub County Liquor Licensing Board Chairman Zack Njeru cautioned the bar operators of persons masquerading as officials of the board to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.

Mr Njeru said that inspection officials must be accompanied by police officers and the deputy county commissioners.

He called on bar owners to be on high alert not to fall prey to such individuals, asking those with complaints to register them with his office.

The board chair further warned that the county was on a high alert following the mushrooming of bars in the county, most of which are operating illegally.

Over 300 bar operators have written to Governor Kinuthia Mbugua over the alleged board malpractices.