Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the immediate deployment of a special security team to Nyeri County to tackle the rising cases of illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
Murkomen said the team will operate in the county for the next two to three weeks, warning that the crackdown will be decisive.
“We cannot continue living in a society where illicit alcohol is being sold and destroying an entire generation while a few people enrich themselves from the illicit trade. That must come to an end and must be done with finality,” he said.
Targeting Illicit Networks
The CS said the operation will focus on dismantling networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of second-generation liquor and other illegal drugs.
“I want to ask the Inspector General of Police to send a special security team who will stay in this county for 2-3 weeks as they weed out these criminals until this county is free of these cruel traders,” Murkomen stated.
Changes in Police Command
Murkomen also directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to deploy new officers and appoint a new sub-county police commander in Mathira West, following allegations that the current leadership was colluding with illicit brew traders.
“I have directed the Inspector General of Police to deploy new officers who are committed to their duties in this sub-county,” he said.
He further demanded accountability from security leadership, saying: “I want an answer from the County Police Commander and Regional Police Commander in the next one week.”
Warning to Rogue Officers
The Interior CS issued a stern warning to police officers accused of protecting illegal traders, vowing strict administrative and legal action.
“We have done quite a number of things to ensure that we are reforming the police service. The question I ask is, why are officers still collecting bribes from criminals who are selling illicit alcohol?” he posed.
Murkomen warned that officers found culpable will not be transferred but will instead face disciplinary action.
Government Commitment to Reforms
He emphasized that the government has invested heavily in improving police welfare and will not allow a few individuals to undermine efforts to fight crime.
“I also want all the illicit and counterfeit alcohol in this county to be eliminated,” he said.
Murkomen reiterated that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to protect communities and eliminate harmful substances that continue to affect livelihoods across the country.
