Residents of Kabazi ward in Subukia subcounty of Nakuru have sounded a stern warning to defiant bars and alcohol dens that are still operating despite the goverment directive that all bars should be shut.
The locals have faulted a section of that police officers whom they claim are are the owners of the bars.
Led by area MCA Dr.Peter Mbae,the locals pointed at a bar at Kabazi Centre owned by a police officer that is still operating despite the fact that security and County teams have ensured all the other over 20 bars are closed as per the Presidential order as a measure to curb spread of COVID-19.
“We have been receiving calls over the bar called Valley and owned by a Police Constable. Patrons get in and the bar is closed from late as inside.As late as yesterday, locals tipped us, the ACC sent a chief but the patrons who were inside ran away” said Mbae.
The MCA adding that with the local leaders, they raised the matter of a police officer running a bar within his work station over 6 months ago with SubCounty heads but all what happened was that he was transferred to Nakuru.
He adds that he has informed the county commissioner over the same adding that the bar has not only defied the Presidential order on bar closure but also operates without County licences and has also erected an illegal extension at the back.
The Kabazi community now wants immediate confiscation of the stock and permanent closure of the bar.
” It’s not fair that small scale bar owners close down but a police officer who is supposed to enforce the law breaks the same with abandon” he said.
According to the vocal Nakuru MCA,his continued impunity also shows them in bad light as leaders despite their efforts.
The MCA commending locals for sharing information.
He however sounded stern warning to alcohol dens in Mutukanio, Westgate,Banita.
He also pointed out another bar owned by an AP officer at Banita Centre which is operating, allowing patrons in and closing them from inside.
“Officers wishing to go into bar business have to choose either. They can’t do both because they can’t arrest themselves and we have pointed out this to the CC” said Mbae.