Owners of distilling companies that were closed down during the crackdown against illicit brews in Nakuru County are calling on the national government to help them resume operations.
At a joint briefing in Nakuru town on Wednesday, the more than 20 entrepreneurs noted that some of their facilities were illegally targeted, arguing that they had all the necessary documents that allow them to operate.
County Director of the National Alcoholic Beverages Association Zachariah Chege who is also the chairperson of Nakuru Producers and Distributors of Alcohol Products noted that they had incurred uncountable losses to date.
“We are law abiding citizens who are in the business like any other person with the need of fending for our families. The government ought to do something to see us back in business,” he said.
Chege who spoke on behalf of the owners noted that some premises were attacked due to business rivalry and political reasons.
He argued that the fight against illicit brews was a national disaster that should be handled with care rather than using the usual machinery that has proved unable to yield the expected results over the years.
“Producers, suppliers and keepers of these illicit alcoholic spirits are known, some are very influential persons within the government, why then do they target us and let the main perpetrators remain scot free? he posed.
The group called on the relevant authorities to do inspection at the various facilities so that they (owners) can get down to renovating their premises before resuming full operation.
“Where is our county government, why are they ignoring our cries as if we never remitted revenue? wondered Chege.
Some processing plants were totally demolished and need serious renovations as youth who accompanied officers during the raids looted and destroyed the premises.