In a move to reduce consumption of alcohol, women in Gwa-kairo area, Ruiru have raised concern on the increase of drinking dens which are violating their licenses by allowing patrons to consume alcohol within their premises.
Speaking after a meeting with women from the area, the chief John kangethe explained that licenses issued to the den owners only allow them to sell alcohol to customers on a take away basis. Most of them have been noted to host their customers in their shops as early as 9am.
"Our youths are becoming useless to the society and their families due to heavy consumption of alcohol which has become readily available as early as the day starts. Women have been left talking care of the families therefore taking over responsibilities meant for men. This has caused outrage from many women from this area,” Mr. Kangethe said. The chief added that after listening to grievances passed to his office by women, he in conjunction with the police will run patrols in the area to bring to book those businessmen misusing their licenses.
“We can’t have a society that’s always drinking and showing awkward behaviors to our children in broad daylight," Kangethe added.
Joyce wawira a resident affected by the issue said that her husband wakes up and heads directly to the drinking dens.
This has made his health situation to deteriorate largely as the man consumes spirited drinks each day.
"My husband has not been performing his duties as the man of the house due to heavy drinking. He comes home drunk and late. He will disturb the peace of the house and this has inflicted fear on the children. My conjugal rights have also been violated and I fear for my home. Sometimes I feel like am acting the man since I have to provide food for my children and sometimes pay for their school fees as their father takes all his money to the drinking dens,” Wawira sadly said.