Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been trolled online after his proposal to restrict drinking hours to between 5pm and 11pm resurfaced.


Gachagua had proposed that bars should not operate throughout the day, arguing that Kenyans should spend daytime hours working and engaging in productive activities.

He said licensed bars should open at 5pm and close at 11pm, allowing people to drink in the evening before returning home.

“Bars should not be opened day and night. The bars that have licences to operate should be opened at 5pm then those that want to drink can do so till 11pm when they go home and sleep,” Gachagua said.

He further defended the proposal by urging Kenyans to use their daytime hours for productive activities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, bars will open at 5pm and close at 11pm. The rest of the time let's go and work, build houses and provide shelter for our Kenyan people,” he said.

The remarks have since resurfaced online, with some Kenyans responding with jokes about how the proposal could affect Gachagua's political ambitions.

One social media user, Baba Zawady, questioned who would elect Gachagua President if his proposed restrictions affected people who enjoy drinking.

“Elected by who, kama sahii sisi tunapanga 2060 tukiwa walevi anataka Kenya ipangwe na nani kwani????” Baba Zawady wrote.

Another user, Ogango Dancun, joked that Gachagua could lose the votes of drinkers because of the proposal.

“Hapa kura za walevi zimeenda 🤣🤣,” Dancun wrote.

Mwalimu Ochiel also joined the conversation, humorously claiming to speak on behalf of heavy drinkers.

“I as the chairman of Walevi wakupindukia party of Kenya, I hereby order our members to say no to Wamunyoro and to give all our votes to President Ruto🤣🤣,” Ochiel wrote.

The comments have added a humorous political dimension to the debate surrounding Gachagua's proposal, with social media users turning the issue into jokes about voting and presidential politics.

Gachagua's argument on drinking hours

Gachagua has previously linked his position on drinking hours to concerns over alcohol and substance abuse in Kenya.

“We cannot let drugs and alcohol take over our country,” he said while discussing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.

His proposed 5pm to 11pm schedule would represent a stricter approach to drinking hours if implemented nationwide.

The proposal has also generated debate about its potential impact on bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and workers whose livelihoods depend on the hospitality industry.

Kenya already regulates the hours during which alcoholic drinks can be sold, with licensed establishments subject to prescribed operating hours.

Gachagua has continued to outline reforms he says he would introduce if elected President.

For now, his proposal to restrict drinking to between 5pm and 11pm has resurfaced as a subject of online discussion, with some Kenyans focusing on its potential impact while others have turned it into political humour.