Six bars operating in Ndumberi in Kiambu County were on Thursday closed indefinitely.
This is after women complained of their men drinking from as early as 6 am until late in the night absconding from working and their homely duties.
The women had vowed to burn down the bars when the area security administration stepped in and held a baraza which resolved that the bars be closed.
Lucy Njeri, a resident, said that she is a victim since most of her family members have become alcohol addicts.
“I support that the bars be closed since I am a victim as the family I am from, drink alcohol and they have been affected as they cannot do any work. They sit idle all day,” Njeri said.
“The village has so many bachelors since men have refused to marry as they do not want responsibilities and the little money they earn from menial jobs ends up buying alcohol,” she added.
Njeri said she was also concerned as most men do not perform their marital duties.
“Men get home late in the night at 2 am after a drinking spree and they cannot be able to lift their hands let alone perform their marital duties,” she said.
Christine Thugi, a resident, said that her husband was beaten badly at the bar which is next to their home, and is now bedridden which makes him not be able to fend for his family.
“My husband takes alcohol at a bar which is just next to our home and recently he was badly beaten and now cannot be able to work and fend for his family. The music is also played loud and we cannot sleep,” she said.
George Wanjohi, another resident, said that they resolved that the bars be closed as they have misled many young men and six men have since lost their lives in the recent past.
“Others have taken alcohol and when they go to sleep they never wake up. It's either they take alcohol without eating or they drink poisonous substances in the name of alcohol,” Wanjohi said.
He said that the residents have vowed to take action if the bars continue to operate.
Priscilla Mutethya, the area Assistant County Commander said that the men have given the area a bad name and they should change despite the bars being closed.
She said that men should make a personal decision to either reduce their consumption of alcohol or stop drinking alcohol.
“We are trying to end alcoholism and also ensure that our villages are rid of second-generation liquors and drugs. We can close bars here but without inner self-control, it will be in vain as there are other bars in different areas that are still operational and one can get access to, it is a personal decision for men to decide to stop drinking and build their homes or they perish,” she said.