By OLIVER MUSEMBI
Information, Communications and Technology Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has ordered security officers to close bars operating around the clock in Kiambu County, sparking a potential clash with county authorities over regulation of entertainment establishments.
Kabogo directed national government administrative officers in the county to move swiftly against bars operating outside the law, including those whose licences may have been issued by the county government.
“You do not require permission from Governor Wamatangi to do what is right. Close these bars forthwith even if they are licensed, whatever the outcome. I sit in the Cabinet, so don’t wait for the President to do it,” he said.
Kabogo spoke on September 17, 2026, during a meeting with women from Gatundu South Constituency attended by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco and Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha.
His remarks come amid growing concerns among leaders in the county over the consumption of illicit and harmful alcoholic drinks, which they said had taken a heavy toll on families.
Kabogo said President William Ruto should not be blamed for the rising cases of illicit alcohol consumption when government officers are available to enforce the law.
Beacco and Wahome urged Governor Kimani Wamatangi to personally intervene and reduce the number of alcohol outlets operating on a 24-hour basis, arguing that prolonged opening hours were affecting productivity.
“I am appealing to the Governor to ensure that those in the alcohol business open their premises after working hours to ensure people engage in productive activities during the day instead of getting drunk,” Beacco said.
She said alcoholism had contributed to some men abandoning family responsibilities and called for tighter regulation of opening hours.
Wahome said reckless drinking had destroyed families in Kiambu and Murang’a counties.
“There is need for concerted efforts to rescue our young generation from the yoke of alcoholism, which has been made worse by the availability of cheap and dangerous products that have even claimed lives,” she said.
Wamuratha also condemned the sale of harmful alcoholic drinks, saying alcoholism had affected many young people in the county.
“It is shameful that our men here in Kiambu, who have for long been known to be responsible husbands and fathers, have now become slaves of alcoholism and shied away from their duties, including matrimonial commitments,” she said.
Kabogo also waded into national politics, urging retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to stay out of active politics and allow President Ruto to govern without interference.
“Uhuru did his part and retired. During his tenure, he brought development even to his rural home of Gatundu. I am asking him as a friend to kindly keep off politics now and enjoy his retirement,” he said.
He further cautioned the Mt Kenya community against being persuaded to abandon the government, arguing that the opposition had little to offer.
Beacco assured Gatundu residents that government development programmes were continuing and pledged that projects, including road construction, would be implemented.
