All bars operating in Kisumu will remain closed on Sunday and Monday as Kenyans head to the polls.
The government has outlawed the selling of alcoholic drinks in Kisumu for two days saying this is meant to ensure that voters exercise their democratic right to vote in a sober manner.
According to Kisumu East District Commissioner Willy Cheboi, all bar owners have been duly informed of the directive which takes effect from Sunday morning to Tuesday.
Cheboi has cautioned bar operators against contravening the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2012 saying they will be dealt with ‘ruthlessly’ in accordance with the law.
The DC divulged that a special police car has been set aside to ensure that the directive stands.
Clients follow election updates in bars
However, in a quick rejoinder, a section of bar owners within Kisumu’s Central Business District has poured cold water on the move, terming it ‘draconian’.
They said the directive will severely hurt the industry which is a key source of revenue for the government.
The bar operators remain non committal on whether they will heed the directive, insisting that most of their clients rely on their facilities to follow elections updates.
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