Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Chief Executive Officer Gitonga Akubu has criticised police officers accused of harassing licensed bar owners, warning that the practice threatens lawful businesses, and county revenue.
Speaking during a meeting with bar owners association at the board’s offices at Mwendantu, Akubu said traders who have complied with licensing requirements should operate without intimidation.
Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Chief Executive Officer Gitonga Akubu. Photo by Brian Gitonga
He noted that alcohol trading, when done legally, is a legitimate business that supports families and contributes to local economic growth.
“This is a source of income, revenue and employment. There are families educating their children from this business. As long as they sell licensed alcohol, there should be no harassment,” said Akubu.
He accused some police officers of overstepping their mandate by targeting compliant traders despite not being responsible for licensing.
Akubu clarified that the regulation of alcoholic drinks is a devolved function under county governments, while police officers are only expected to assist in enforcement when requested.
Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board CEO Gitonga Akubu (middle) alongside members of the bar owners association. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Akubu said enforcement powers should not be abused for personal gain.
He claimed that some officers demand small amounts of money from bar owners without issuing receipts, a practice he said is not supported by any law.
He urged traders to demand official receipts whenever they are asked for money, saying this would help curb extortion.
“You cannot move around demanding Sh250 from people without issuing receipts. That is not anchored in the law, and bar owners should demand receipts from anyone asking for money,” he said.
Akubu defended licensed bar owners, describing them as law-abiding businesspeople who deserve respect like any other traders.
He called for cooperation among county officials, police officers and administrators, urging each institution to operate within its constitutional mandate.
He warned that he would not tolerate misconduct, whether by officers under his authority or from national government agencies interfering with county functions.
“I will not accept a situation where work is not done in the right manner, whether by my officers or those from the national government,” Akubu said.
The board CEO also raised concerns over the continued production and sale of illicit brews in some parts of Meru County.
He blamed laxity within the local administration, arguing that illegal brewing cannot happen openly at village or location level without the knowledge of assistant chiefs and chiefs.
Akubu said the board plans to hold talks with the Meru County Commissioner to develop a coordinated strategy to combat illicit alcohol.
He said the meeting will also focus on clarifying responsibilities and agreeing on disciplinary measures for administrators or officers found to be negligent or complicit.
He added that the county police commander will be involved to take action against officers accused of demanding bribes or failure to enforce the law properly.
Akubu emphasized the need for unity between county governement officers and national security agencies, saying effective regulation of the alcohol sector requires collaboration, accountability and respect for the law.
Edited by John Majau
