Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered a nationwide operation on illicit alcohol and consumption of narcotic drugs.
Addressing the press on Friday, February 16 in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, CS Kindiki said the crackdown will begin immediately.
The Interior CS noted that selling illicit alcohol will be treated as terrorism and banditry from now on.
“Looking at what has happened it is our view that poisonous alcohol and consumption of narcotic drugs is a serious threat of the same level as terrorism and banditry, therefore, starting today, the government is going to declare a countrywide operation on in all areas where people have been imprisoned by the consumption of dangerous substances and alcoholic drinks,” said Kindiki.
He also instructed all chief and assistant chiefs to collect data from every village in the country on alcohol addicts for them to be taken to rehabilitation.
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CS Kindiki also directed security teams to close all outlets selling alcohol in the villages saying they have ripped families apart.
“Going forward as national security policy, county governments will only license proper liquor establishments in shopping centers, town and urban centers. We cannot have people having licenses to operate bars in villages,” said Kindiki.
The directives come after over 20 people lost their lives to illicit brews with several others going blind in Kirinyaga County.
The Interior CS mentioned that the owner of the establishment that sold the killer brew will face tough charges over the incident.
“We are not looking at routine charges about operating without licenses. We are looking at putting a proper serious case that this fellow will never know freedom again. I don’t see any difference between his terrible character and what Mackenzie did in Shakahola,” Kindiki added.
