Those who are found abusing alcohol from Riamoni location in Nyamira County may find themselves doing hard labour or community work if the local administration implements a new policy.
Speaking on Wednesday after a crackdown on illicit brewers that led to nabbing of over 400 litres of chang’aa, area chief Francis Rasugu said those who will be found drunk will be subjected to harsh community punishment in which they will be required to maintain feeder roads for at least six months.
Mr Rasugu said the decision was arrived at after it was established that most youths from the region had reverted into careless drinking without following the law.
“Drinking especially before the stipulated time is illegal. We will not allow a case where our children engage in avid drinking without participating in important economic activities. I want all community policing members to help my administration arrest those with the habit and for sure they will subject to a six month community punishment,” he said.
Mr Rasugu said the crackdown will continue and warned illicit brewers against violating the government order.
“I will not relent and let people know we are not doing this because of the government directive. This is a matter of life and death and whoever found engaging in brewing will be held accountable,” he added.
However, the decision has been opposed by a section of the youths who accused the chief of dictatorship.
“We are not living in the jungle where someone comes up with harsh rules to dictate us. We are not advocating for drinking liquor but we have courts in which perceived law breakers should be subjected,” said Frank Ondieki.