County and Police exchange blame for liquor stores menace at Top market
One of the stalls that had its steel doors removed by the county administration on August 7, 2024.
The county administration yesterday moved to remove the steel doors on some of the stalls selling alcohol around Top market that were found to be operating illegally.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Stephen Muiruri the County Trade Executive, says that the issue surrounding the liquor stalls at that locale has been a long and unending one, spanning over 10 years.
Trade CEC Stephen Muiruri during an interview at his office on August 7, 2024.
" We acknowledge that there has been a challenge with regards to the issues raised by the traders. However, police are the weak link. The police are not doing their part in enforcement and some are also taking bribes from these liquor store owners, "he laments.
On his part, Nakuru Town East Sub County Police Commander, Mohammed Wako says he is not aware of any bribery incidences by his officers, adding that the blame solely lies on the county administration.
"They are the ones in charge of giving out these liquor licenses and not the police. Additionally, they have their own enforcement team that they can use to be able to enforce the rules and regulations when it comes to liquor licensing," he says.
Apart from that, Mr Muiruri says the other problem emanates from traders who have rented the stalls from other individuals, thus operating the liquor stores without licences.
"We continue facing challenges from the ones who own these wines and spirits stores, as they always move to court whenever we push the matter," he adds.
According to him the issue would require a multi sectoral approach to be able to solve it.
The issue of traders operating unlicensed liquor stores has been a countrywide conversation for the better part of this year.
At the beginning of this week, John* a Nile perch supplier at Top Market was assaulted by persons outside one of the stalls that is a liquor store, on allegations that he did not complete paying part of his bill.
This caused an uproar among the traders in the market causing unrest in the market on Monday and Tuesday.
Joseph Thuo, the chairperson of traders at Top Market says the liquor stalls adjacent to Top Market should be removed completely as they paint a bad image of the market place.