Raila to legalise traditional brew Chang’aa

dennis kibet

June 23, 2017 2:52 PM

"The government should allow their people to enjoy their favourite drinks."

Raila Odinga addresses a past rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa.

Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga has declared he will legalise the traditional brew changaa once he is elected president.

Raila during a campaign tour in Bungoma County argued that currently there is no law that illegalises drink.

“The government should allow their people to enjoy their favourite drinks.

The work of the police is to ensure the safety of Kenyans and not arresting those consuming chang'aa,” Raila said.

During a similar trip in the Western region late last year, endorsed the consumption of Busaa - an alcoholic drink that is popular in Western.

Uhuru made the endorsement at Malaba Township Primary School during his tour of Western where he campaigned for the Jubilee Party and launched development projects.

"Engage in moderate drinking. But take care of your families," the President said.

Uhuru was responding to a concern by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong who accused police officers in the county of harassing local busaa brewers and drinkers.

In that same year, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho termed as unconstitutional for Bungoma county to pass a law allowing the sale and consumption of illicit liquor.

He said national law bans the sale and drinking of busaa and any local law stating otherwise is null and void.

“No county can create a law that contradicts the laws of the country,” Kibicho said.

In July 2015, Uhuru summoned all leaders from Central to State House and ordered a crackdown against locally-made drinks.

Illicit brews are estimated to control at least 70 per cent of Kenya’s spirits market, despite their blatant contravention of the set requirements for manufacturing as well as trade in alcoholic beverages - tax obligations, quality certification, wholesomeness and packaging.

dennis kibet