By Gerald Mukembu
Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board C.E.O, Dr Mbaabu Muguna, has raised concerns over the comeback of illicit brews.
According to the board chief, brewers are resuming their activities despite previous efforts that reduced the prevalence of these brews in the county.
Dr Muguna highlighted challenges, particularly in Tigania, where traditional brews are being sold in bars.
He revealed that the board will collaborate with a multi-agency team, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Nacada, police, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and national government officers, to combat counterfeits.
“Illicit brews are causing major public unrest, leading law-abiding residents to protest. We’ve arrested several individuals, who have been arraigned in court,” said Dr Muguna.
He further vowed to tackle traders using bars to sell illicit brews, revealing that 240 bars had been closed from January to September 2024.
“Public complaints have led us to shut down numerous rogue bars, including seven in September alone. Some are in residential areas where drunkards share toilets with schoolchildren, which is unacceptable,” he added.
The C.E.O emphasized thorough inspections before issuing bar licenses, noting that bars in the Nyambene area often operate without licenses and some sell expired alcoholic beverages.
On rehabilitation, he announced a nearly complete 100-bed capacity rehab center in Kiirua, set to open in early 2025.
“Addiction is a disease; employers should help addicts recover rather than sacking them,” Muguna urged.
Meru currently has six rehabilitation centers to address alcohol addiction.
