The fight against illicit brews and second-generation and adulterated brews has received a major boost with the opening of a new police station in Changai, Maragua constituency.
For years, the Changai area has gained notoriety for rampant brewing and selling of illicit brews, coupled with related crimes including sexual and gender-based violence, while also acting as a conduit for farm produce stolen from adjacent areas.
Speaking during the launch of the newly constructed modern Changai police station, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police Gilbert Masegeli declared that the war on illicit brews was unstoppable.
The new police station, constructed at a cost of Sh11.6 million, is fully equipped with an armory, detention cells, offices, staff quarters, sanitation facilities, and a parking area in a well-secured environment.
Masegeli reaffirmed the government’s commitment in cracking down on illegal alcohol countrywide and all those behind the vice.
The DIG noted that the area had for years been plagued by insecurity, illegal alcohol production and other criminal activities that had hindered local economic development.
“In the fight to clean our county and get rid of illicit and second-generation brews, as well as other drugs, no one will be spared, and now with this police station, the fight has only been intensified,” he said.
“Murang’a county ranks 15th nationally in the consumption and production of illicit and adulterated alcohol and we must turn this around,” reiterated Masegeli.
The DIG noted that the area, which has thick forest cover, has been notorious for brewing dens over thye years and called for a strong partnership between the police, local leaders, and members of the public so as to curb crime and restore order.
“Let us work with the Nyumba Kumi personnel in our villages and together with the police, we will eventually restore order and spur economic and social development in this area,” he noted.
Masegeli further revealed that the government was committed to improving the welfare of police officers and their working conditions to ensure effective service delivery.
He emphasized that security is a critical component of development and therefore warned against any acts of sabotage, such as destruction of infrastructure, homes and businesses.
At the same time, the DIG appreciated the support of the area MP Mary Wamaua, who built the modern Changai police station through the NG-CDF.
On her part, the MP observed that the presence of the police station will spur growth in the area, which had previously been crippled by criminal activities.
“In the past, investors have been scared due to the high levels of crime in this area, but now with this police station, change was inevitable,” she said.
The MP also commended a well-wisher who donated land for the station
At the same time, Wamaua criticized the county government for allegedly disregarding the Liquor Licensing Committee recommendations, resulting in bars being licensed anywhere and everywhere, including near schools and homes.
Speaking at the same function, Murang’a County Women Representative Betty Maina called for stronger support for the National Police Service.
Maina urged the national government to recruit more police officers, citing a clear shortage.
On illicit brews, the women rep said, “We must now fight the vice because homes have been broken as young men are wasting away in changaa dens.”
Notably, she said, sexual and domestic violence was on the rise, where women and girls continue to fall victim.
Maina appealed to residents to stop these vices that violate the rights of women and girls, further negating the economic and social development of a society.
By Florence Kinyua
