A police officer has been arrested in Kirinyaga County for selling and distributing liquor despite an order for closure of all alcoholic drinks outlets by Governor Anne Waiguru.
The officer identified as Stanley Ithiru and attached to Gilgil Police Station was arrested at Ithare trading centre, in Kirinyaga East Sub-County where he operates a bar and a guest house.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Allasow said the officer in the rank of a Corporal has been booked at Kianyaga Police Station awaiting arraignment in court on Thursday, February 22.
Allasow said the officer had violated the bar closure order as contained in a public notice issued by the County Government on February 19, 2024 following the declaration of closure of all bars on Saturday by Governor Waiguru to pave way for fresh vetting of all alcoholic drinks outlets.
He said all civil servants who operates liquor outlets have been identified and would not get licenses for their facilities.
Allasow said the arrest was made after members of the public raised complaint that the bar was still open and owner was engaged in distributing locally made brew.
Five police officers arrested
The arrest brings to five, the number of police officers arrested in connection to violation of the bar closure orders.
Four other officers were arrested on Sunday in Ngurubani, Mwea West while taking alcohol at Mutitu Andei Bar.
County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture and Social Services Dennis Muciimi said the vetting exercise for bars which entered its second on Tuesday was going on smoothly.
Muciimi said only bars whose owners will be given a “clean bill” of record will be allowed to re-open.
During the vetting process, owners of liquor outlets are required to produce licenses for 2023 and approved application for 2024.
Stringent measures
Other stringent conditions set out by the multi-agency team for re-opening of bars include compliance with the public health regulations, bars should not be near schools and places of worship.
The outlets should also not have previous cases of non-compliance with liquor licensing regulations.
Gachagua’s warning
On Saturday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said law enforcers among them Chief, police officers among others will not be allowed to operate liquor businesses.
Gachagua told the officers to make a choice on whether to resign or to continue running their bar businesses or enforce the law.
Same sentiments were also echoed by Governor Waiguru who asked County Government staff operating liquor outlets to make a choice of venturing into business or retaining their employment.
She said some 11 staff from the County Government were operating bars and therefore were conflicted and a hinderance to the enforcement of the liquor licensing regulations.
