Monday February 19, 2024 {HMC} Four police officers were on Sunday arrested in Ngurubani, Mwea, Kirinyaga County, for drinking at a local pub despite Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s strict orders to close all drinking establishments in the area.
The officers, stationed in Mwea-east sub-county, were found drinking at the Mutitu Andei Bar in Ngurubani, in direct violation of the directive.
The revelation came as a shock to local authorities and residents alike.
According to Robert Ngaruiya, the Tebere location’s chief, a concerned member of the public reported the officers to authorities.
After receiving the tip, law enforcement raided the bar and detained the officers.
The bar owner was also arrested, but several other customers escaped. Three of the four detained officers are from the Administration Police (AP), and the fourth works at the Wanguru police station.
The arrested officers cooperated with authorities and were taken to the Wanguru police station to await further legal proceedings Residents expressed frustration and disbelief at the officers’ brazen disregard for the law, particularly in light of the recent tragedy involving tainted alcohol in the Mwea-west subcounty.
Speaking at a memorial service for the victims of the tainted alcohol incident, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared a ban on police officers and members of the national administration owning bars anywhere in the country.
This declaration fueled community demands for immediate and decisive action against the offending officers. Residents noted the presence of other bars owned by police officers near Wanguru police station, raising concerns about a possible pattern of misconduct among law enforcement personnel in the area.
Governor Waiguru, speaking at a public event at Kangai Primary School, called for a thorough review of licensing procedures to identify and close illegally operating bars.
