Editor's Review

At least 50 Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from the Mt Kenya region are facing interdiction. 

At least 50 Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from the Mt Kenya region are facing interdiction over involvement in the alcohol business despite warnings from the government.

Speaking on Wednesday, March 20, Central Kenya Regional Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the government is processing interdiction letters of the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.

Shisia noted that they are putting together evidence to ensure the interdiction of the 50 chiefs and Assistant Chiefs meets the required threshold.

“We are already processing their letters of interdiction for omissions and commissions in the course of their duty. We are doing it without fear of favour and we are also not victimizing anybody. We are putting together evidence that meets the threshold for us to be able to carry out the exercise,” said the Central Kenya Regional Commissioner.

File image of Chiefs at a past function. 

Shisia also said government officials who will be found involved in the alcohol-related businesses would not be spared.

“Even officers from other agencies will not be spared as long as they fall under the category of public servants,” Shisia added.

On February 17 Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) as well as police officers would not be allowed to own alcohol outlets due to conflict of interest.

He urged the officers to choose either to resign from the position and run the outlets or to cease operating the establishments and continue their service.

"There is no way a chief, an assistant county commissioner or commissioner or police officer can own a bar anywhere in the country. That is a clear conflict of interest and it is not possible,” Gachagua said.