Police officers in Webuye, Bungoma County have arrested 21 teenagers whom they busted at an alcohol-filled hotel party.
Bungoma East OCPD Valerian Obore said police officers were tipped off by members of the public about the minors’ party.
Police said the minors were all under 18 years, the legal drinking age. Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to buy or consume alcohol in Kenya.
Police received a tip off from members of the public after the teens were seen streaming into the bar at around 6pm Sunday.
“When we arrived at the scene, we found a birthday party was ongoing. Police quickly stopped the event and arrested the people inside the bar. When we did a quick verification exercise we identified that 21 of the revellers were teenagers,” Valerian Obore, Webuye Sub County Commander said.
Police also arrested the bar’s deejay, caretaker and a couple who were celebrating their birthday.
A crate of consumed alcohol was found at the section where the teens were partying.
The 21 teens who are being detained at the Webuye police station were on Monday questioned.
Parents who arrived at the station early morning were also put to task to explain why their children were at a bar.
“We want to know if parents knowingly allowed their children to attend a birthday party at a bar. For a very long time we have blamed teachers for the poor behaviour of children but this time round, children are at home with parents. They need to take care of their children,” the Police boss said.
Police are still detaining the 21 teens and 4 other people as investigations continue.
The incident comes just days after police on Saturday arrested 44 school children and their host in an operation and seized various brands of alcohol and bhang.
They were found in a house at Nairobi’s Mountain View Estate.