Residents of Ndeiya ward in Kiambu county are planning protests over the rising cases of alcoholism and drug abuse in the area.
They said that young people are affected because some bars sell alcohol before the stipulated time by locking patrons inside the outlets.
They also alleged that some bar operators sell from their handbags to avoid opening the bars so as not to be noticed.
“We have noticed an increase of drunkards in the villages because alcoholic drinks are available at all times,” said Nancy Wanja of Gatuura village.
“Youths, middle-aged men, and women are usually locked inside some of the notorious bars. They drink quickly and leave,” she disclosed.
The locals also allege that the traditional Muratina brew is being abused, with too many brewers allowed to make it.
Led by Voice of Men and Children Network chairman Bishop James Njenga, locals said they fear that school-going children in their adolescent stage might start abusing alcohol.
“We feel bad when we see young people being drunk. It’s sad that many of them are dependent on their parents,” he decried.
“It is so sad since no one knows where they get the money to buy these brews,” he said.
The cleric adds that narcotic drugs such as bhang have secured their way into the market owing to the availability of customers.
He noted that the most affected regions include Mboloti, Thigio town, Nguirubi, Kiriri, Nduma, Makutano, Mirithu, and Tiekunu.
The head of the Compassion of Christ Church asked the Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to come up with a strategy to control bars selling outside the stipulated hours.
He also appealed to Governor Kimani Wamatangi to ensure the County Liquor Licensing Board reduces the number of bars in the area, adding that the notorious ones are known.
“Only the government can help us. We want to control the sale of alcohol as well as reduce the number of places where it is being sold,” he said.
Wanja revealed that they have been protesting, but this time, they will hire vehicles and protest from the villages, ending at Wamatangi’s office in Kiambu town.
“We shall protest in all trading centers and then travel to meet the governor. We want the bars reduced,” she said.
“We appreciate that they contribute to the county revenue, but too many of them are poisoning our society,” Wanja added.
However, she failed to disclose when the protest will happen, revealing that they were strategizing on logistics and that the activity is intended to leave a mark.
