Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu on Thursday banned sale of drums, hours after Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i ordered all bars in the county closed and renew their licences in drive to eradicate illicit brews in the area.

Dr Matiang’i on Wednesday said the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol has led to loss of lives, prompting the decision.

Mr Waititu said easier access of the cylindrical containers has frustrated the war on the toxic drinks as they are used for brewing second generation brews.

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The governor said more than 3,000 addicts from different parts of the county were undergoing rehabilitation adding that more than 1,000 youths have been reformed in the programme which he started some months ago in Makwa, Gatundu North constituency.

Opposition

However, Kiambu Jua Kali sector chairman Mwangi Kaluu dismissed the order saying it is not justified. He said the sector has employed more than 100,000 people and wondered where they will go should the ban be implemented.

"I have l inspected most Jua Kali premises today and I can confirm that our Jua Kali people do not sell drums to chang’aa manufacturers,” he said.

He urged the governor to stop making roadside declarations in the fight against the illicit brew and embrace dialogue.