A recent development in Kisumu saw the suspension of Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki’s directive regarding the closure of bars in the ongoing battle against illicit alcohol across the nation.
The decision came from the High Court in Kisumu, which deemed it necessary to suspend Kindiki’s order until a thorough hearing on the matter can take place.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the application dated 8th day of March 2024, stay of the 1st Respondent’s directive issued by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government on the 6th March 2024 for the closure of all bars in Kenya and Kisumu County be and is hereby granted,” stated the court’s ruling.
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The Kisumu Bar Owners Association initiated legal action to contest CS Kindiki’s directive, which aimed at shutting down bars operating near residential areas and educational institutions, announced on March 6.
Moreover, Kindiki’s directive included the closure of bars owned by civil servants, aiming to resolve conflicts of interest. This directive led to the closure of 114 bars owned by county and national government officials in Kirinyaga County.
County Commissioner Hussein Allasow Hussein affirmed the government’s determination to prevent the reopening of these bars.
“Some of them are trying to quickly transfer them to third parties but they won’t succeed.
We have already identified them and closed them,” he stated.
This recent closure adds to the ongoing government crackdown on illicit alcohol trade, with over 400 bars closed thus far.
The government has made it clear that public officers involved in bar ownership or operation must either shut down their establishments or resign from their positions
Government’s Determination Against Illicit Brews Echoed By Kindiki
