This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i has refused to budge on his directive to close all bars from Saturday 5pm for the census, despite pleas to reconsider.
Speaking on Thursday during a Press briefing by the Cabinet committee for census, Matiang'i maintained that the order would not be rescinded.
He dismissed concerns that the move was insensitive, saying, 'Bars open at 2pm, you can have your beer till 5pm when they close. If by this time you will not have had enough, then I think there is something wrong with you.'
Responding to criticism from Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, who termed his decision as 'unjustified and unwarranted', Matiang'i said his decision was not taken lightly.
He also told off football fans who sought to have him change his decision citing the Liverpool vs Arsenal match, saying, 'You can watch Arsenal and Liverpool at home, your family may have the rare chance of watching with you.'
The CS reiterated that security officials would be on high alert and county commissioners were issuing accreditation documents to observers who had until 6pm Friday to be vetted.
Published on August 22, 2019, at 15:27:24.
