- Every week, tens of people were arrested in drinking dens and arraigned in court, but this is not helpful, commissioner says
- He reiterated that premises selling alcohol should not be near schools, churches, residential areas and government offices
Security chiefs in Narok have planned a three-day workshop to fight illicit brew as cases of crimes associated with alcohol abuse rise.
The county security committee wants residents and stakeholders to discuss new strategies, a day after a drunk man killed his wife following a quarrel.
Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia said cases of crimes that are directly linked to irresponsible drinking of alcohol were at a new high.
"It is only yesterday that a woman was murdered by her husband who was drunk. These incidents can be avoided if we come together and reason out on how we can curb such crimes,” Lotiatia said.
The Maa Council of Elders has been invited to the meeting that will also be attended by chiefs, Nyumba Kumi representatives, religious leaders, media, women and youth groups, civil society and the business community.
Lotiatia expressed optimism that the meeting's outcomes will bring solutions.
"It saddens me to see young children drinking alcohol. We came to bring our heads together so that we can see how we can raise responsible children in our society,” he said.
Every week, tens of people were arrested in drinking dens and arraigned in court.
"I believe arresting and putting these people in prison is not solving the problem because many of those arrested are the breadwinners in their families,” he said.
He reiterated that premises selling alcohol should not be near schools, churches, residential areas and government offices, saying businesses that flaunt the rules will be shut down and owners arrested.
Council chairman Kelena Nchoe said many families are breaking up and children dropping out of school because of alcohol, hence promised to join hands to fight all forms of illicit brew in the county.
“We want to leave behind a responsible citizen who can drive this nation to higher levels. We will continue collaborating with the county commissioner’s office to fight the menace,” he said.
The stakeholders planted over 100 tree seedlings at the Administration Police quarters to mark the event.