Editor's Review

“I have seen a few of my friends sending me texts asking me to allow them to sell illicit alcohol."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has slammed some of his friends persuading him to go slow on the ongoing crackdown on illicit alcohol in the country.

Speaking on Friday, April 5, in Nyeri County, Gachagua revealed that a section of his friends have been texting him requesting him to allow them to sell illicit alcohol.

The DP pointed out that he would not honor the friendship and won’t allow them to sell illicit liquor.

“I have seen a few of my friends sending me texts asking me to allow them to sell illicit alcohol. I am sorry I am unable to honor that friendship, please allow me for once not to honor that friendship. You cannot sell poison to our children and claim to be my friend. I cannot allow that,” said Gachagua.

The Deputy President however said he had no issue with bar operators selling standardized alcoholic drinks.

File image of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

"We have no problem with those who are doing legitimate business, they can continue, but those who are selling poison cannot be allowed,” Gachagua added.

The government has been conducting a crackdown on illicit brews and drug abuse countywide.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki on March 6 ordered all alcoholic outlets within residential areas to be shut down.

He also revoked licenses and certification permits for second-generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers, issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for twenty days.