The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome now wants the licensing of alcohol to be removed from county governments and moved to the National Police Service.
Speaking on Monday, February 26 during the Coast Region Alcohol and Drug Abuse Conference in Mombasa County, the Police IG said the licensing of liquor outlets should be a security concern since people are losing lives.
Koome noted that governors have politicized the licensing of the outlets saying they are interest in votes and generating revenue.
“Governors here will hate me, but being an IG in this country is not a populist contest; I don't need to be popular. The issue of governors licensing alcohol matters is a security concern.
“Our people are dying. When the governors are there, to speak the truth, they are more focused on votes and revenue, neglecting the security aspect,” said Koome.
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The Police boss urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who presided over the conference to have the law amended and the role of licensing alcohol outlets be reverted to the police.
"Your Excellency, I will request that maybe the law be changed regarding the licensing of alcohol outlets to return to the way it was in the past," IG Koome added.
His remarks come at a time when the government is fighting illicit alcohol and drug abuse across the country.
Deputy Gachagua on Saturday disclosed that stringent measures will be rolled out to wipe out illicit brews and drugs this week.
He mentioned that the measures would be far-reaching, adding that the government would end the menace of illicit alcoholic drinks soon.
“We are determined to make our country safe from these killer drinks. We will make sure the manufacturers of these drinks will leave this country for good. We cannot allow Kenyans to be sold poison in the guise of alcoholic drinks,” remarked Gachagua.
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