Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ordered security agencies to crack down on illicit brew and hard drugs.
Speaking in Nyeri County on Friday, April 14 during a high-level multisectoral consultative forum on ending illicit brew and substance abuse in the counties of Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Nyandaruam the Deputy President said the crackdown is urgent.
Gachagua warned that the government will not entertain officers who will not deliver on this order adding that aims to save the region, as the young generation, which mainly indulges in illicit and second-generation alcohol, risks being wiped out.
“You have information on where the illicit brew is prepared. The National Government Administration Officers and police commanders must convene a meeting on Monday and within a week shut down those dens permanently. You must ensure they do not reopen,” he stated.
The Deputy President also warned that officers protecting unscrupulous dealers will not be spared, adding that only registered dealers will be allowed to operate awaiting reevaluation of their licenses.
“Being in cahoots with sellers of drugs and substances through collection of commissions and tokens shall not be allowed. We must live up to our oath of office and diligently serve the country. We cannot be part of a criminal syndicate in ending illicit brew and substance abuse,” Gachagua stated.
According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), alcohol abuse in Central Kenya is a major problem due to high levels of consumption, ease of availability, affordability, and accessibility.
This ranged from 51.5% in Nyandarua to 75.4% in Kirinyaga. A perception assessment by the authority indicates that more than 80% of people feel second generation alcohol consumption is on the rise.
