Barasa made the remarks while addressing residents during Jamhuri Day celebrations in Bungoma County.
He later repeated the message on his social media pages, calling for fairness in law enforcement during Christmas and New Year festivities.
The legislator said Kenyans celebrate differently based on their income levels and questioned why poor drinkers are often targeted while those consuming expensive alcohol in clubs are left undisturbed.
“This is a season of celebration. Everyone celebrates according to what they have in their pockets,” Barasa said.
The legislator said Kenyans celebrate differently based on their income levels and questioned why poor drinkers are often targeted while those consuming expensive alcohol in clubs are left undisturbed.
“This is a season of celebration. Everyone celebrates according to what they have in their pockets,” Barasa said.
“If you have money, you go to a club and drink expensive alcohol. If you don’t, you sit with elders, take a cup of busaa, and go home.”
He added that not everyone can afford high-end entertainment or costly drinks and warned against criminalising low-income Kenyans for their lifestyle choices.
The MP directly appealed to police officers to reduce arrests related to traditional alcohol during the festive period, arguing that enforcement should be fair and humane.
“During Christmas, even police officers relax after work, go to clubs, eat meat and take alcohol,” he said.
He added that not everyone can afford high-end entertainment or costly drinks and warned against criminalising low-income Kenyans for their lifestyle choices.
The MP directly appealed to police officers to reduce arrests related to traditional alcohol during the festive period, arguing that enforcement should be fair and humane.
“During Christmas, even police officers relax after work, go to clubs, eat meat and take alcohol,” he said.
“So there is no need for one drinker to harass another.”
Barasa said excessive arrests over traditional brews only create tension between the public and security agencies at a time when people are supposed to enjoy the holidays peacefully.
His comments come as authorities caution Kenyans to celebrate responsibly during the holiday season. On Saturday, the Ministry of Health warned of increased public health risks associated with festive activities.
Speaking at an end-year thanksgiving event in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni highlighted dangers such as road accidents, alcohol-related injuries, food poisoning, domestic violence and the spread of preventable diseases.
She urged Kenyans to avoid drunk driving, drink alcohol in moderation, observe hygiene during social gatherings and ensure food and water safety.
Muthoni also raised concern over the sale of uninspected meat and counterfeit medicines during the holidays, saying some traders were taking advantage of increased demand.
Barasa said excessive arrests over traditional brews only create tension between the public and security agencies at a time when people are supposed to enjoy the holidays peacefully.
His comments come as authorities caution Kenyans to celebrate responsibly during the holiday season. On Saturday, the Ministry of Health warned of increased public health risks associated with festive activities.
Speaking at an end-year thanksgiving event in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni highlighted dangers such as road accidents, alcohol-related injuries, food poisoning, domestic violence and the spread of preventable diseases.
She urged Kenyans to avoid drunk driving, drink alcohol in moderation, observe hygiene during social gatherings and ensure food and water safety.
Muthoni also raised concern over the sale of uninspected meat and counterfeit medicines during the holidays, saying some traders were taking advantage of increased demand.
She noted that the ministry is working closely with county governments to keep inspectors on duty and crack down on illegal products.
