Kidero backtracks on alcohol ban at Kabeberi Sevens
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero (left) and Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee addressing the press on July 31, 2014. The Governor announced a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the upcoming Kabeberi Sevens rugby event. PHOTO | GERALD ANDERSON
Governor Evans Kidero on Thursday beat a hasty retreat from an earlier ban he had slapped on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks during the Kabeberi Sevens rugby event.
A statement by his communications director said "the Governor calls for controlled and responsible alcohol consumption to protect the young lovers of rugby because it is time we set sports and alcohol apart."
"Consumption will be undertaken in the specific and controlled areas and as provided in the Liquor Licensing Act...and there shall be no sale of alcohol to minors, family areas and after 6pm," the statement added.
The Governor had at an earlier press briefing warned that those found with alcohol during the two-day event at the Railways Club will face the full force of the law.
According to him, the 'unruly behaviour and indecent acts' seen in Machakos County during a similar event was due to uncontrolled intake of alcohol.
“We know that consumption of alcohol makes people lose their senses; no alcohol will be allowed in the field, nobody will be allowed to drink in their cars and we will have alcoblow (breathalyzers) in and around the pitch,” he said.
He was speaking during a Press briefing at his office with Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Mwangi Muthee on Thursday.
FAMILY EVENT
The governor had said the Kabeberi Sevens is a family event where sale and consumption of alcohol will not be tolerated.
He added that the county government aims at “maintaining family values” and rugby fans will be expected to obey the city’s Alcoholic Drinks Act which was enacted this year.
The governor urged organisors to ensure that minors are not exposed to alcohol.
The Kabeberi Sevens is one of the five-legged National Sevens Series (NSS) around the country and 20,000 fans are expected to attend.
Last month, the Masaku Sevens at Machakos County drew huge criticism over unruly behaviour by participants.
Chairman of the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse John Mututho blamed Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua for what transpired. (READ: Nacada blames governor for Masaku Sevens binge)
