President Kenyatta bans second generation drinks in Central Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the Members of Parliament from Central Kenya to lead the war against illicit brews in their constituencies.

In a directive issued when he met MPs, Senators and Women Representatives from Central Kenya at State House on Wednesday, the president also revoked all licences of bars and other outlets selling second generation brews in the region.

President Kenyatta said the fight against the illicit brew would begin in Central Kenya because it is the most affected.

“We cannot allow this (sale and consumption of the illicit brews) to continue”, said the President.

The president further directed the launch of a campaign to rid of killer brews in the region. The campaign will be spearheaded by General Service Unit (GSU) commandant Joel Kitili in close collaboration with the MPs who will report their progress to the President on Tuesday when they convene again at State House.

“As elected leaders, you know where and who is behind these brews. My phone will be open 24 hours this weekend. Call me when you need me.”

President Kenyatta mandated the MPs and other stakeholder to move from door to door closing all outlets selling illicit drinks and destroying those in the process of manufacturing and sale the drinks.

The President said in the same way the notorious Mungiki group had been eradicated during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure, the war against the illicit brews must be won.

President Kenyatta also instructed the National Youth Service (NYS) director Nelson Githinji, who was present to start a parallel campaign of rounding up drunk and addicted youth to put them in special centres for rehabilitation.

Other than the elected leaders from Central Kenya, Nairobi, Meru and Embu, others present in the meeting were county commissioners and police county coordinators from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Muranga and Nairobi.

The meeting was also attended by Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Nkaissery and Principal Secretary Ambassador Monica Juma.