Former NACADA chair John Mututho has weighed in on the new proposals for liquor industry in the country.
Addressing press in Nakuru on Thursday morning, Mututho called for need for more consultations before such are executed.
He faulted the new proposals terming them not ripe for the liquor industry.
According to Mututho, the current NACADA team should have held consultations with experts and borrow from his famous ‘Mututho Laws’ which had key aspects for the liquor industry.
He noted that the Mututho Laws were very clear on how to prohibit illicit liquor, quality enforcement, as well as treatment in various hospitals and rehabilitation.
Mututho added that the late President MWAI Kibaki ensured funds were allocated for the same.
The former Naivasha Lawmaker told off the current NACADA team for rushing into new proposals without proper consultations.
He offered to assist the team through his knowledge on how to control the liquor sector without causing harm and closing down the sector.
“I want to tell the current NACADA not to mess the liquor sector through rushing with new proposals. Let them come visit me and then I enlighten them. Already Kenyans are burdened with harsh economic times and should not be added,” he stated.
According to Mututho, during his tenure they had great laws in place that never messed the sector.
He stated that they had agreed with players in the industry that alcohol not to be sold near schools and learning institutions, children not access Liquor, and that the liquor outlets in petrol stations and wines and spirits be allowed to operate as bars within stipulated times.
Mututho was quick to add that even the new proposal on 21 year age, only needs agreement among players.
Some of the new proposals include raising the minimum drinking age from 18 to 21.
The proposed rules unveiled on Wednesday, also include a ban on purchasing alcohol in supermarkets, restaurants and on public transport.
The online sale and home delivery of alcoholic drinks as well as celebrity endorsements will also be outlawed.
The authorities have defended the planned measures as necessary to address substance abuse especially among the youth.
But many Kenyans, including those in the alcohol industry, have criticized the proposals as misguided and potentially destructive to the economy.
If they are approved then alcohol will only be available in pubs and bars as well as shops specifically licenced for its sale.