By Gikuyu Ntoogo
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Beverly Opwora has warned chiefs and other administrators against colluding with illegal brewers saying they risk getting sacked.
Speaking during the launch of Rapid Results Initiate (RRI) on the crackdown of illegal drugs, illicit brew and other counterfeits products, Ms Opwora stressed the need for law enforcers to collaborate in ending the menace.
“I warn all drunkard chiefs and other administrators against hindering the crackdown because they will be sacked so that serious people can take over the work,” Ms Opwora said.
The warning comes amid a spike in illicit brewing in the county with the situation expected to worsen during the electioneering period.
“We expect that the cases of outlawed brewing will increase as we approach the elections and that is why we need to get prepared early,” she said.
According to the administrator, between the months of January and August this year, more than 11,000 liters of the illicit brew were seized, 180 brewers arraigned and 90 of them convicted.
She said those charged paid a fine totaling to Sh690 000 in court.
Tharaka Nithi County Bar Owners Association Chairman Mr Nicholas Mutua decried the existence of illegal alcohol that is a blow to their businesses.
“The sale of illegal and counterfeit brews has hindered us from making a profit,” he said adding that customers preferred the illegal cheap liquor.
Tharaka Nithi County Secretary, Micheni Birici said that the county government will help in fighting the illegal liquor business by regularly scrutinizing the authenticity of the displayed licenses.
“We at the county will ensure that the licenses displayed by the bar owners are legitimate and are used as required,” Mr Micheni said while urging law enforcers to crackdown owners of fake licenses.
