This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, the High Court in Kirinyaga issued a significant ruling, barring the Ministry of Interior from interfering with bar businesses in the county.
High Court Judge Lucy Gitari noted that an application filed by the bar owners' association raised weighty matters that needed to be ventilated, including the violation of the applicants' rights by the respondents.
The court issued conservatory orders restraining the Interior PS or his agents from arresting and closing bars in the county until the matter is heard and determined.
The bar owners' lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, explained that their application also challenged the power of the police and the extension of the interior ministry in the management of alcoholic drinks, as the function is devolved.
The matter will come for hearing on July 24, 2019.
