The liquor and licensing board has refused to renew licences of 25 bars owned by police officers and chiefs in Njoro sub-county.
Consequently, the bars are set to be shut since they cannot operate without the permits.
The board members, led by area deputy county commissioner Mohammed Hassan said civil servants in the liquor business were hindering the war against illicit brews and the government’s campaign to eradicate drugs and substance abuse.
Hassan said police officers who have invested in the beer business were identified after investigations were done in all divisions. He maintained that police officers are supposed to enforce the Alcohol and Drug Control Act, noting that bars owned by government officers were operated beyond the stipulated time, with impunity.
He said residents have been making numerous complaints demanding the board to act on police officers and chiefs operating bars creating a conflict of interest with bar owners.
“Police officers and chiefs should help the government enforce rules but if they are involved in such businesses, we will fail on the war against illicit brews and the campaign against drugs and substance abuse,” he said.
He warned those using fake and forged licenses, saying regular checks will be conducted to make sure operators were running business within the requirements of the law.
Hassan urged bar owners to file receipts from their distributors to assist the National Authority for Campaign against Drug Abuse (Nacada) in wiping out fake and lethal manufacturers endangering the lives of beer consumers.
The number of bar license applicants in Njoro sub-county was reduced from 250 to 146.