Residents of Kinjo location in Abothuguchi West Ward, Central Imenti Constituency of Meru are up in arms against the mushrooming of bars near learning institutions.
They claim the number of bars near schools have now outnumbered hotels in the area, with majority of those consuming it turning into hopeless zombies who are unable to do any economically viable project.
Speaking to the media during a meeting with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) representatives, the locals regretted that many youth] had turned to petty criminals in order to afford and sustain their drinking lifestyles.
They said many have resulted to stealing household items and chicken in order to afford alcohol, noting that it is only a matter of time before the unforgiving law finally catches up with them.
The irate villagers said due to the rising number of alcohol joints which has led to increased consumption, immorality and crime has become the order of the day.
“The high consumption of alcohol which has led to increased crime and immorality is a time bomb ready to explode any time with dire consequences. Alcohol has turned many youth to zombies and petty criminals,” said Reverend Kaimenyi of Tabernacle Church in Kinjo.
The locals now say if the trend is not urgently reversed the education standards in the area will decline since the market that has become a liquor den is located barely one kilometre from the learning institutions.
“We have Kinjo Primary School, Kinjo Day Secondary School and Kinjo Girls which are all located near the market centre. We are worried that the dens are operating near those institutions and will negatively affect the standards of education,” said Frank Marete, a resident.
They regretted that the rising consumption of alcohol amongst the youth has led to high school drop-out rates in the area.
The residents have now called on the Meru County Alcoholic and Control Board CEO Dr Mbaabu Muguna to come to the rescue of the people by shutting down and regulating the number of bars in the market.
“We want the Board to revoke licences of bars in the market because if they continue operating we are talking of a disaster in the waiting among our young people,” said Joyce Makandi, another resident.
In a quick response, Dr Muguna advised the residents to meet and draft a memorandum requesting the board to come up with ways of addressing the menace in the area, adding that they will not hesitate to revoke licences of bars that were located within 300 metres from learning institutions as per the law.
“We don’t have the mandate to revoke licences unless through a written and signed memorandum by the residents,” said Dr Muguna.
By John Majau
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