Home » Media Centre » Blogs » Mzalendo Vox Pop: Alan Masakhalia on why the President should assent to the Alcoholic Drinks Bill
Mzalendo Vox Pop is a feature where we open up our blog to our readers to share their views on their constituency or on matters related to Parliament.
Dear Mr. President, receive greetings from a humble citizen yearning for justice
Sir, your assenting to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2009 will go a long way in ending a historical injustice that Kenyans have had to contend with for years. It is most unfortunate that 46 years after independence Kenyan citizens continue to be barred from exercising some of their ought to be freedoms due to laws and restrictions that were retained even after the exit of the colonialists, a good example is the Liquor Licensing Act.
Long before the colonialists arrived, our people had traditional brews made from millet, sorghum, coconut, cassava, banana, maize and honey. These were Muratina, Busaa, Mnazi, Chibuku, Chang’aa among others. Our people used their liquor in a number of ways and in various ceremonies, for example there would be a poring of libations so as to appease the ancestors, liquor was also vital in inter-community forums such as peace talks and meetings bringing together previously warring groups. It was also of significance in marriage and dowry negotiations as it smoothened the talks. The traditional brews played a crucial role within the African community hence banning it and making it ‘’illicit’’ was an act that was done in bad faith and for selfish reasons.
Simply put, even as we speak we continue calling our traditional brews ‘’illicit’’ based on unjust laws that had been coined with the sole aim of subjugating Africans. Even after 46 years of self rule we continue retaining pieces of legislation that were mooted to keep us in bondage, are we really free? Is there any reason why such laws remain in place?
Sir, by assenting to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2009 you will be reaffirming that we are indeed a sovereign state whose laws are reflective of our cultural values, practices and way of life. It is a shame that all along the state has been promoting foreign drinks while impeding the use and growth of local ones.
That Kenyans do view their country as the pride of Africa has never been in doubt, it thus baffles me that it is in this sector that we have been bypassed by other African countries.
South Africa for example, moved fast and acknowledged the key role played by the traditional brews. Their version of Chang’aa the ‘Umqomboti’ was fully embraced and even popularized by Yvonne Chaka chaka in her song that declared the Umqomboti to be the African beer It is quite sad we are actually the only ones lagging behind in the region as traditional brews are most popular in all the neighbouring countries. Uganda leads the way as their version of Chang’aa the Uganda Waragi is loved by all, they also have supplementary and equally popular brews such as Inguli, Kwetee, Omwenge etc.
By legalizing the traditional brews the state will be able to reign in those brewers who seek to make lots of profits by shortening the brewing process only to later on add some harmful chemicals to the otherwise would be sweet and nutritious drink. What we need is merely stiffer penalties for all those who sell lethal or below standard goods be they cigarettes, juice, Chang’aa, mineral water, milk etc
Sir, please assent to the bill to not only put us at par with the other independent African states but also to reaffirm our independence and a break off from the oppressive colonial laws.
Categories: No tags
You must login to comment
There are no comments.