Only 70 bars in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County have been cleared to operate out of the 330 outlets that were operational in the region.
All the bars in Kirinyaga county were closed after 17 people died after consuming illicit brew in Kangai and Kandongu villages.
Mwea West Deputy County Commissioner Lawrence Omondi said the area initially had 330 functioning bars. However, following the recent tragedy, stringent measures were implemented to ensure public safety.
Omondi revealed that Kangai ward, where a significant number of fatalities occurred, had 68 operating bars before the incident. Today, only 18 bars have been given clearance to resume operations. He emphasized that the closure of the other 50 bars and the complete cessation of bar activities would continue until they comply with government directives.
“We will not allow exposure of children to illicit alcohol and drugs,” Omondi stated.
Last week Friday, the Kirinyaga County Government reopened bars after conducting a thorough verification process. This decision follows the temporary closure of bars announced by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on February 17, during the funeral of the 17 individuals from Kangai and Kandongu villages.
The fatalities were attributed to the consumption of a lethal concoction suspected to be tainted with ethanol.
