Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu now faces a fresh hurdle in his spirited fight against alcoholism in the county.
This is after activist Okiya Omtatah petitioned the High Court to suspend the controversial Kiambu County’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2017 on grounds that it is unconstitutional.
Waititu assented to the Act last month and declared war on alcoholism and sale of unlicensed liqour in the area.
The new law, which is set to come into effect this Sunday, has sparked fury among liquor manufactures and sellers.
On Thursday, Omtatah moved to the court to challenge the legislation, arguing that county governments 'have very limited role' on liquor licensing and control.
In his petition, the activist notes that the devolved units should restrict themselves to issuing bar licences.
The regulation of sale of alcohol, Omtatah observes, is the sole mandate of national government through it agencies; NACADA, KRA, Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Anti-Counterfeit Agency.
But speaking to Citizen TV on Friday, the Governor vowed to stay put, insisting that the new law must be implemented to the letter.
He said his administration was determined to seal any loophole that will have unauthorised bars in operation.
Waititu said he will only hold dialogue with liqour manufacturers and sellers on condition they adhere to the new rules and regulations.
"Business owners have to recognise that there is the law, they comply then we’ll dialogue," he said.
The controversial law restricts persons under the age of 21 years from consuming or even selling alcohol.
The legal drinking age in Kenya is 18 years.