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Cofek now wants Mututho to step down


A consumer lobby group wants Nacada Chairman John Mututho to either resign or be sacked by President Kenyatta.

Consumer Federation of Kenya argues Mr Mututho has failed in his mandate to tame production, distribution and consumption of alcohol in the country.

Cofek Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said the sacking of the Nacada CEO Mr William Okedi last week was a public relations exercise not meant to solve the problem of alcoholism in the country.

Over 80 people died last week across the country after drinking toxic  illicit brews. This is in addition to at least 10 deaths which had been recorded in Nairobi previously.

“The President owes Kenyans an explanation why he has not yet fired Mr Mututho. He seems not to have any solution for what is happening. The President should avoid cosmetic solutions,” said Mr Mutoro in an interview.

In a letter addressed to the Nacada Chairman, Cofek accused the organization of conspiring with the Parliament, ‘through unrealistic moralistic over-legislation, to strangle the easy to regulate formal alcohol.’

“In another world, the ink on your resignation letter would have long dried out … indeed you and the entire board of Nacada that should be arraigned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for multiple murders resulting from loss of lives,” read the letter.

According to Cofek, Nacada lacks the capacity and has inadequate policy to make any impact in the industry.

The lobby group said government has taken a disjointed approach in the issue that continues to cause emotions.

“This problem is big; there is need for unified approach and more policies. The government should consider merging some like-minded agencies,” said Mr Mutoro

Cofek accused Mututho of speaking too much instead of taking actions.

“If you are not keen to take responsibility and resign, you would do the country a lot of good if you shut up and avoid unnecessary blame games. We need solutions to illicit killer brews and not empty promises,” read the letter from Cofek.