Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has taken decisive action in response to concerns over the issuance of licenses to drinking joints in the county. In a bold move, she has ordered the immediate closure of all such establishments, citing a fraudulent licensing system.
“We have reached our end. I want you to allow me and give me protection. Today I want to announce that all bars in the county have been closed, and a new process of verifying the licenses has begun. The county government has withdrawn all the licenses with immediate effect,” Governor Waiguru declared at a public event.
This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where 17 individuals lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor. Speaking at the funeral service for the victims, Waiguru emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the forthcoming verification process, the governor asserted that individuals with a history of legal infractions related to licensing or the sale of illegal alcohol would not be granted permits to operate within the county.
“Kama kuna historia ya mtu yoyote amepelekwa kortini kwa kukosa kulipa license ama kuuza pombe haramu hautapata license Kirinyaga county to operate,” Waiguru reiterated.
Furthermore, the governor addressed concerns regarding county employees who also own bars. She directed eleven employees at the Director and Chief level who own such businesses to either choose between their jobs or their establishments.
In taking these measures, Waiguru emphasized the responsibility of leaders to safeguard the well-being of their constituents and prevent a few individuals from profiting at the expense of public health and safety.
