Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at the media for ‘misinterpreting’ his remarks on the closure of licensed bars and restaurants in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, January 27, 2023, the second-in-command clarified that his latest order was an initiative meant to fight against illicit brews in the region.
He underscored that the media only misquoted him to suit their agenda and portray the government in a ‘bad light’.
The DP also requested that the entertainment joints that operate for 24 hours are issued bar licenses only.
“We have said our officers will fight this illicit brew and bhang. Not licensed business. We must fight the menace and save our children; What we have requested the governors is to consider bars and restaurants that sell alcohol 24/7 to reduce the time span,” he stated.
The others should operate as bars so that whoever wants to drink can do so until 11 pm and go back home, relax and get back to work feeling refreshed the following day,” he added.
The DP was reacting after facing a backlash from members of the public and businessmen who interpreted his earlier sentiments as an order to governors to shut down bars.
“What we have requested the governors, and the word is to request as we cannot order them, to consider bars and restaurants that sell alcohol 24 hours to be reduced,” Gachagua said.
“The rest of the bars should operate from 5pm to 11pm so that those who want to drink can go home and wake up early while sober to go to work.”
The DP said President William Ruto’s administration will not fight licensed businesses, but will instead support them to expand their enterprises.
“This administration of William Ruto will protect and expand businesses and we shall help all the businesses to expand,” he said.