Four police officers were on Sunday, February 18 arrested after they were busted drinking alcohol at a local bar, despite Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s directive.

The officers were arrested after they were caught drinking at the bar following a tip-off from members of the public. This was during a swoop in Ngurubani area in Mwea as police officers were implementing the governor’s orders.

The officers, and the owner of the bar, are set to be arraigned.

Governor Waiguru — during the burial of the 21 people who died after drinking illicit liquor –ordered the immediate closure of all liquor outlets in the county.

Waiguru also called for the withdrawal of all licenses issued to bars and a fresh vetting of the outlets conducted before re-licensing.

“It is also my directive that county employees who run bars choose between their jobs and their business to safeguard the society from conflict of interest,” Waiguru said at Kangai Primary School.

Waiguru added: “Sale and distribution of illicit brews does not only deny the government requisite and legitimate traders’ revenue but also poses a serious health risk to our people. Kirinyaga will be the county that will show an example that we will not tolerate the sale of illicit brews and drugs.”

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was also in attendance, called upon Central Regional Commission Fredrick Shisia to ensure that Governor Waiguru’s directive is implemented immediately.