Take milk, Murang'a residents tell alcohol addicts as they demand closure of bars

Residents of Theri and Karuri-ini villages in Kahuro sub-county, Murang’a county, want the county government to revoke the licences of all bars operating in the area.

The residents have said a large number of men are still suffering from alcoholism, which has torn their families apart.

The residents who took to the streets in their shopping centres on Wednesday said the availability of alcohol had worsened the situation.

Catherine Warui said she recently lost her husband to alcoholism, saying other families should be saved from the agony she had to go through.

“I lost my husband to alcohol, and I have a son who may end up falling into the same trap if something is not done urgently. That will not happen under my watch,” she said, adding that five people have died in a year.

“Let those who have to drink something start drinking milk. It is in plenty in this village, but we have said no more bars,” she added.

Mary Kimotho, another resident, said the area has been choking under the weight of alcoholism which has been lowering their quality of life.

She said that as villagers, they work hard to earn a living but that men spend all their earnings in the local bars sparking marital disagreements in their families.

Erastus Gateru, a youth, said he was happy that the community had decided that enough was enough and risen against the consumption of alcohol in the villages.

“Alcoholism has destroyed many families and killed many men. This is why people have decided that the bars have to be closed.”

John Muna, on his part, said that as a habitual drunk, he’d no longer drink alcohol and pledged to change his ways.

Kahuro Deputy County Commissioner Esther Njeri urged the residents to start a petition that would then be signed by an administrator and forwarded to the county government to have the licences of the bars revoked.

The DCC said the devolved unit had excessively issued bars’ licenses that have seen bars operating for 24 hours in some towns.

“In Kahatia shopping centre, we have about eight bars operating overnight, which is against the law,” she said.

She said the villagers had spoken loud and clear, and that the process of having the bars closed should immediately be started.

“We have come here to listen to you, and you have clearly stated that you want order. You have said these bars have led to the death of some of your people and have breached your sense of security,” she said.

Since last year, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led a spirited fight against alcoholism that saw a number of bars closed and the prevalence of alcoholism stemmed in the Central region.

In some parts, however, the trend has started creeping back, plunging families back into agony.