MP KIBAGENDI ISSUES A WARNING REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF AUTHENTIC BARS TO COMBAT ILLEGAL BREW THREAT

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has deemed it improper to close establishments to combat illegal beer.

 Although deaths on Mount Kenya have had an impact in the years since Kibagendi noted that the ramifications remain significant throughout the nation.

 Closing down respectable companies is not appropriate. Regarding the order to close bars in Kirinyaga County after illicit beer killed more than 17 deaths, he stated, "What we need is enforcement in doing inventories on what is sold in these pubs."

 During a panel discussion on Daybreak, he also commended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his husband for their efforts to combat alcohol misuse in the Mount Kenya area.

Kibagendi confirmed that families are suffering from substance usage in general, not just from substances that are prohibited.

 The ramifications of substance misuse, he added, included problems with infertility, shattered homes, and people who neglected their work. The government shouldn't handle these problems on its own.

 The government cannot be left in charge of raising awareness on its own. It is something that we should all be participating in.

 Stanely Kamau, CEO of Ahadi Trust, suggested county governments keep an inventory of the alcoholic beverages and bars that they serve on the same platform.

 "If I were a bar owner, I would advise keeping a list of the beverages I serve, whether they come from KWAL, EABL, or another producer. Kamau stated, "I should be able to add to the inventory if I am going to add any drinks from outside the country, whether they are imported or made here.

 Similar to Kibagendi, Kamau contended that while dens selling illicit beer are still in operation, bar closures have an impact on legitimate company owners.

 "Closing anything does not add any value because these things are not registered," he claimed.

 In the fight against the vice, he also argued for coordinated efforts by the government and other relevant parties.

 The tragedy in Kirinyaga was regrettable, according to Dr. Yvonne Olando, Director of Prevention and Treatment Programs of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

 "We have experienced problems with illegal brewing in the nation, but we appreciate that this time there will be repercussions for those who engage in illicit brewing," Yvonne stated.

 According to Yvonne, prioritizing education about the consequences of consuming illicit beer is a good idea.

 To reach more individuals, she stated that NACADA plans to open more regional offices the following month.

 Although the authority lacks resources and staff, she continued, it is addressing the issue and building capacity through community initiatives and partnerships with civil society organizations.

 Following a recent event in which the consumption of unlawful brew resulted in numerous fatalities, the governor of Kirinyaga ordered the immediate closure of all bars within the county.