In Mawanga, Whitehouse, Shabab its business as usual for bars, despite Kindiki's directive on closure of drinking joints
One of the bars that had been closed now fully operating in Whitehouse, Nakuru.
It is 11pm as Mtaa Wangu makes its way through Mawanga, Whitehouse, Shabab and Barnabas estates.
Our mission here is very clear: to see first hand whether bars and entertainment joints have remained closed following the directive of Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindki a month ago.
Our investigations bring us face to face with the reality on the ground, with numerous bars open and revellers sitting happily enjoying their favourite drink.
In Mawanga, Whitehouse, Shabab and Barnabas it was as if the CS orders were not in force. Late into the night, some of the bars that had initially been closed were still operating in full view of the public.
Bars in the above mentioned estates were the ones that were adversely affected by the order, as the police carried out raids to ensure that the orders were obeyed.
We tried to speak to some of the bar owners to understand exactly what the situation was and whether there were any regulations they had to comply with in order to reopen their businesses, but most were tight-lipped and refused to comment.
One of the bar staff we managed to speak to revealed that they had been in business for some time and that there had been no interference from the authorities. They claimed that the closure was unlawful as they were in compliance and did not sell illegal brews.
In March, CS Kindiki ordered the immediate closure of bars and clubs within 300 metres of residential areas and educational institutions.
A few days after the directive, many liquor shop owners complained and even the secretary general of the National Bar Owners Association (BAHLITA), Boniface Gachoka, condemned the move, saying many of those whose premises had been closed were fully compliant with the government's requirements for operating such a business.
A week later, while addressing the media at the Nakuru County Commissioner's office, Prof Kindiki reiterated that the government was still on track in its fight against the production, sale, distribution and consumption of narcotic drugs and illicit and toxic killer brews.
This was accompanied by an order to close all bars and clubs within 300 metres of residential areas and educational institutions.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Mr Gachoka said they would make a formal statement on the situation today.