Defenders of DEFCO take hilarious jabs at Nakuru bar owners' demands

Local bar owners in Nakuru have demanded the closure of the Nakuru Defence Forces Canteen Organization (DEFCO), arguing that unfair licensing practices have decimated their businesses.

While civilian establishments struggle under heavy liquor licensing fees ranging from Sh. 30,000 to Sh. 200,000 depending on the type of liquor sold, Kenya Defence Forces canteens enjoy significant advantages including duty-free liquor that threatens the survival of small businesses.

While this comes into play, several netizens had something to say about the unravelling.

"Kwani how many people go there, very few. Even people fear the place. In fact, you're advertising the place. Many people nowadays are opting to drink muratina and busaa in their cars. Look for strategies to make people come to your place," Godfrey Ngugi opines harshly.

Andy Andy refutes accusations that bars allow alcohol from other establishments, stating, “How do you allow anyone to come to your club with alcohol from another club? That's a lie. It's (DEFCO) there to stay.”

Melson Kipruto offers a straightforward suggestion, “Just sell at their competitive price,” while Fred Wamalwa critiques the exploitative nature of bar owners, stating, “They should get busy and find something meaningful to do. The exploitative nature of most bar owners is what makes most people troop to Afco.”

David Gorogosi Macharia voices his support, calling DEFCO “legit and pocket-friendly, free seller, free buyer... kila mtu apige mboka yake... RIZIKI NI MUNGU ANAPEANA.”

Murkoz Zack Bet points out, “With fake drinks in the market, the only safe place will be Afco.”

Bea Treece is less supportive, claiming, “Wanataka watuuzie zile takataka zao... waachane na Afco” suggesting that others are trying to sell subpar products. “Ndio waendelee ku-exaggerate bei ya pombe, bei ya mzinga moja kwa bar nkienda DEFCO nabai mizinga nne,” Cir Tony opines.

Willis Opon praises DEFCO’s commitment to quality, commenting, “Afco showground should continue, its existence has reduced the use of illegal alcohol, they sell legit, original products, not fake like other bars. Let the truth be told, the price difference is very small, around sh 30.”

Thuranira Raf criticizes the higher prices, stating, “Mnauzia watu sumu at a very expensive price... Acheni wakunyue mahali wanatrust... it's a free world... You are all greedy.”

Benedictus Mutai questions the market dynamics, adding, “Why are you people so monopolistic? Let the business be a free market.”

Joseph Atandy also voices support for Afco, saying, “Heri wafunge hizo bar zao lakini watuachie Afco.”

Karanjah Nicodemus suggests a price cut, saying, “Lower the price, you'll see us in your bar. Thanks, AFCO.”

Shiko Michael’s criticism comes with a claim that the bars are selling fake brands, “They are selling fake brands, watafunga zao.”

Madara Phillip Mukungu takes a stance against counterfeit alcohol, noting, “Heri pombe ya DEFCO, uko hakunanga ma counterfeits. Mark you, Nakuru County is among the top counties with an influx of counterfeit liquor. So, hapo iko shida kubwa.”

Others, like Karugu Wyre Suzie, express confusion, asking, “Afco imekujia wapi na watu wa biz?” while Joram raises concerns, wondering, “Let them tell the government to shut all Defco joints all over Kenya, why Nakuru only?”

Some have found the situation humorous, with Louis Tobiko joking, “Already they don't have lunch, you also want them to be denied alcohol. Kuweni na huruma.”

Sandra Sandy adds, “Ata mpeleke kwa camp barracks ndani, tutajaa uko tu.”

Mtetezi Jayden Jansher emphasizes his support, saying, “Hata heri mfunge NCPB but msiguze Afco.”

Contradictorily, Yator Kiprono suggests that if KDF liquor stores are open to the public, they should also extend the same to petrol stations and supermarkets, saying, “If the liquor store is open to the public, they should also open their petrol station and supermarket to the public.”

DEFCO, the official trading organization for the Army, Air Force, and Navy established in 1973, operates under special privileges that allow it to sell alcohol at substantially lower prices than civilian establishments.

As the conversation unravels, one thing remains clear, whether in favour or against DEFCO, it is clear that revellers have strong opinions on the matter.