To curb the issues of drunk driving and promote safety, Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi County has announced the closure of approximately 120 liquor joints and the arrest of 25 individuals in the Starehe sub-county.
Sakaja revealed that a collaborative operation involving the Nairobi Liquor Department, Security, and Compliance teams, and National police had targeted six bus termini in the area.
He stated, “Teams were sent out to Country Bus Station, Muthurwa Terminus, Hakati Bus Station Terminus, Accra Road Terminus, Latema Road Terminus, and Old Nation Roundabout.”
- Police Hunt Gang That Attacked And Injured A Police Officer In Githunguri
- Gunmen Shoot Dead 2 Pupils In Attack In Yatya, Baringo County
- Man Shocks Kenyans By Punching Police Officer After Minor Traffic Dispute
The results of the operation were significant: “Ten joints were shut down at Country Bus, with four arrests made. Twenty joints were closed at Muthurwa, along with 23 closures at Hakati station and nine arrests.”
Additionally, “Accra road terminus saw 27 joints closed and eight individuals arrested.
At Latema Road, 18 joints were shut down, and 22 outlets were closed at Old Nation, resulting in six arrests.”
This crackdown stemmed from Sakaja’s directive to address the proliferation of wine and spirit joints near terminals within the sub-county.
Concerns were raised during a meeting with the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) and officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), where Sakaja highlighted the connection between alcohol consumption and road accidents.
“We’ve observed that drivers and conductors often spend excessive time in these liquor joints, which have essentially become bars and drinking spots while waiting for customers,” Sakaja remarked.
He further noted that these establishments had been operating with proper licenses, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement.
In essence, Governor Sakaja’s actions aim to enhance public safety by curbing alcohol-related risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory measures.
