Residents of Matuu town in Yatta sub-county, Machakos County, have raised concerns about irresponsible alcohol consumption in the area after a man died during a drinking spree.

According to reports, the man’s body was found hours after he was seen drinking at a local club.

Angry residents who spoke to Citizen Digital decried increased brewing and drinking dens, further claiming that liquor stores and bars have violated laws on opening and closing hours.

They said deaths resulting from excessive use of alcohol have been on the rise, alleging that the area administration is sleeping on the job.

Matuu Ward MCA Judas Ndawa said some police officers exercise laxity while dealing with bar tenders who disregard the law on opening hours as they themselves drink during outlawed timelines.

“It’s better to be jailed than to be taken to a mortuary…we will not allow bars to open at 6am. I won’t lead people who are dying daily because of alcohol,” he said.

“There are laws to be followed but some of those who are supposed to enforce them are out here drinking with you. There is no single bar that is allowed to be opened at 6am. I heard that yesterday a police officer came with a child and asked to be served in the morning while on uniform and when the seller refused, he called for backup and they arrested him.”

The MCA vowed to lead a crackdown on illicit brews in the area as he also called on officers to enforce the law on bars and all joints and ensure adherence to stipulated opening and closing guidelines.

“I also want to put those selling alcohol on notice; if we find you selling sub-standard liquor, we will charge you for the deaths of some of these people,” he said.

Residents also complained of uncontrolled consumption of alcohol within the area with locals appealing to the government to intervene and limit liquor joints.

“Our children are dying! We buried another person last Friday because of alcohol. We request the government to do away with the illicit brew so that our children can restore their dignity. They have become drunkards and cannot even work or do anything constructive. We are tired,” lamented a resident.

The body of the deceased was taken to the Mbaku mortuary for post-mortem.