A multi-agency security team comprising officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), national government security agencies, Kirinyaga County Government, and the Ngao (National Government Administration Officers) has intensified operations targeting second-generation alcohol, illicit brew, and drugs in Sagana and Kagio towns.
The operation, led by Kirinyaga County Commissioner Husein Allasow, follows directives from President William Ruto aimed at eradicating the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs nationwide.
Speaking during the crackdown, Allasow said the operation will be sustained across Kirinyaga County to protect lives and restore public safety.
“This operation is part of the President’s clear orders to eliminate illicit brew, second-generation alcohol, and drugs. We will not allow substances that endanger the lives of Kenyans to circulate in our communities,” said Allasow.
He highlighted the government’s determination to prevent tragedies like the one in Kangai, where many lives were lost after consuming illicit brew and second-generation alcohol.
The County Commissioner called on members of the public to support the operation by providing information on individuals involved in the manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal alcohol and drugs. He urged Kenyans to report such cases through the NACADA toll-free number 1192, assuring whistleblowers of confidentiality.
Allasow also cautioned youth against being exploited by drug dealers and illegal alcohol distributors, emphasizing that the government has rolled out youth empowerment programs to provide alternative livelihoods.
“The youth are the future of this country. They should not allow drugs and second-generation alcohol to destroy their potential,” he said.
He further urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for guiding and monitoring their children, noting that fighting substance abuse requires collective effort.
Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture, and Social Services Dennis Muchiimi urged bar and entertainment establishment owners to ensure they are properly registered and licensed, warning that inspections will continue across the county.
Muchiimi added that counterfeit and second-generation alcohol remains a major challenge, largely driven by distributors who illegally package and supply brews to bar owners, sometimes without their knowledge.
“The main problem lies with the distributors who bind and distribute counterfeit and second-generation alcohol, putting the lives of innocent Kenyans at risk,” he said.
County leadership reaffirmed that the multi-agency operation will continue across all parts of Kirinyaga County until the menace of illicit brew, second-generation alcohol, and drugs is completely eradicated.
By David Wandeto
