Nairobi, March 29 -- Five high-end hotels in Karatina town, Nyeri that had survived the ongoing crackdown on alcoholism were closed on Wednesday, just a day after President William Ruto visited the county and reiterated the government's resolve to eradicate abuse of alcohol and other substances.

Those affected include Hotel Starbucks, Omega Gardens, Oldoiyo Hotel, The Big Club, and Ibis Hotel. Also closed are Seven Eleven Lounge and Derby Place which are said to be near churches, schools and residential areas.

In the past three weeks, the government has tightened its grip on the sale and consumption of liquor in the constituency, which is Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's backyard with more than 400 bars closed owing to their proximit...