Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a nationwide ban on police officers and members of the national administration owning bars.
Police officers have been given the choice to either resign from the police service and run their bars or cease operating the bars while continuing in their service roles.
The DP H.E Gachagua emphasized the conflict of interest in law enforcement officers owning bars, stating it compromises their ability to uphold the law while flouting it. The Deputy President highlighted the need for a clear distinction between working as a police officer and engaging in business activities like running bars.
H.E DP Gachagua asserted that police officers involved in misconduct will not be transferred to other areas but will face dismissal. The Deputy President expressed a commitment to preventing the spread of unethical behavior by not allowing officers to carry misconduct to new locations.
He ordered the immediate closure of drinking joints in the county and initiates a comprehensive verification process for operational permits due to concerns over fraudulent licensing.
DP Gachagua’s statements come during the burial service for 17 people who died after consuming poisonous brew in Kirinyaga.
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru issued a similar warning to county officers running entertainment joints, emphasizing the need for ethical conduct.
Governor Waiguru expressed deep concern over the fraudulent issuance of licenses and took decisive action by closing bars and initiating a thorough permit verification process.
