Gachagua hits out at media for ‘misinterpreting’ his remarks on closure of bars in Mt Kenya region
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at the media for 'misinterpreting' his remarks on the closure of licensed bars and restaurants in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, January 27, 2023, the second-in-command clarified that his latest order was an initiative meant to fight against illicit brews in the region.
He underscored that the media only misquoted him to suit their agenda and portray the government in a 'bad light'.
The DP also requested that the entertainment joints that operate for 24 hours are issued bar licenses only.
"We have said our officers will fight this illicit brew and bhang. Not licensed business. We must fight the menace and save our children; What we have requested the governors is to consider bars and restaurants that sell alcohol 24/7 to reduce the time span," he stated.
"The others should operate as bars so that whoever wants to drink can do so until 11 pm and go back home, relax and get back to work feeling refreshed the following day," he added.
He additionally stated that the President William Ruto-led administration was only focused on helping businesses thrive by creating a conducive environment.
"Our work is to help businesses grow and thrive," he added.
Earlier, the DP directed county governments within the Mt Kenya region to revoke licenses by bars and restaurants.
He stated that the county governments should only license one bar and restaurant per town.
"I urge all the county governments from Mt Kenya region to go back to the round table and revoke the many licenses you have issued to bars and restaurants as they are destroying our children because you are looking for money to construct roads,” Gachagua stated.
“When these roads are who will use them? Bars are more than shops and hotels. Only one bar and restaurant should be licensed in each town. All the others must be closed down and opened from 5 to 11 pm.”
His remarks attracted backlash from members of the public and a section of leaders who claimed that he was contradicting himself terming him a master of double-speak.
This was after he called out Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja to consider his decision to ban nightclubs in residential areas.
At the time, the DP claimed that Sakaja's decision would cripple businesses that majorly belonged to the Agikuyu.
