This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i ordered the closure of all bars at 5pm to facilitate the national census exercise. However, this directive has been met with opposition from Senator Millicent Omanga.
Senator Omanga has termed the move as 'unwarranted, unjustifiable and punitive to business people and to lovers and admirers of booze.' She further stated that Kenyans who earn a living from the sector will be severely affected, as they will have no cash to pay their employees, suppliers, and landlords.
The Senator also faulted the CS, saying Kenyans can be counted anywhere and at any time. She questioned the need to close bars, citing that this would only serve to harm the livelihoods of those who depend on the sector.
