Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a firm stance against National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and police officers owning bars, citing a blatant conflict of interest.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Gachagua declared, “There is no way a chief, an assistant county commissioner or commissioner or police officer can own a bar anywhere in the country. That is clear conflict of interest and it is not possible.”
Addressing the issue at a mass funeral service for the 17 individuals who tragically lost their lives after consuming deadly illicit liquor in Kangai and Kandongu villages of Mwea-West Sub-county, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua emphasized the need for decisive action.
He urged any police officer who owns a bar to make a choice: resign and run the bar, or cease operating the establishment and continue their service within the police force.
“So I want to announce here on behalf of the president. If you are a police officer and you own a bar. Resign and run the bar. Or stop operating the bar and continue working in the service,” stated the Deputy President.
The funeral service, held as the community mourned the loss of their loved ones, highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of alcohol production and sale regulations. The tragic incident has reignited calls for heightened awareness of the dangers associated with illicit liquor.
In a concerning revelation, it was disclosed that the contaminated liquor responsible for the deaths had been stored as an exhibit at Kiamaciri police station.
As a result, the Kiamaciri Police Station Officer in Charge (OCS) and three other police officers have been dismissed from the service, confirmed Gachagua. Furthermore, all remaining officers at the station have been transferred to new locations. “On top of that we have removed all police officers from Kiamaciri police station and Kangai police station from junior to senior officers,” Gachagua affirmed.
Meanwhile, the owner of the bar that sold the lethal liquor, allegedly acquired from rogue police officers, remains in custody as investigations into the incident continue.
