Isiolo County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga has directed chiefs and their assistants to take a leading role in the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse by identifying and dismantling illegal alcohol dens.
The County Commissioner said chiefs, as the government’s frontline administrators at the grassroots level, have a critical responsibility to ensure the manufacture, sale and consumption of illicit liquor are eradicated in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
He instructed the administrators to identify, map and monitor hotspots where illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs are manufactured, stored, sold and distributed to facilitate targeted law enforcement operations.
Mr. Chaunga noted that the most effective way of combating the illegal trade was by dismantling production sites before the brews reached consumers.
“The fight against illicit brews begins at the source. Chiefs must know where these illegal brews are being manufactured and ensure that such operations are brought to an end through close collaboration with security agencies,” he said.
He emphasized that chiefs should be fully aware of the hideouts and dens used by illicit brewers, adding that success in the campaign would depend on the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders and members of the public.
The County Commissioner warned that firm disciplinary and legal action would be taken against any administrator or police officer found shielding or colluding with individuals involved in the illegal alcohol trade.
He said relevant security agencies would provide regular intelligence reports and operational updates to support sustained enforcement efforts and ensure the vice is completely eliminated across the county.
Speaking during a meeting with chiefs, Mr. Chaunga said there would be no room for complacency in the fight against illicit alcohol, narcotics and substance abuse, stressing that security officers and administrators have a duty to dismantle criminal networks that continue to endanger lives and undermine development.
He challenged the officers to deliver tangible results before the end of the month, saying the widespread abuse of illicit brews and drugs continued to pose a serious threat to the county’s social and economic development, particularly among young people.
Mr. Chaunga said the crackdown would be implemented through a coordinated approach, supported by continuous monitoring and periodic progress reviews to strengthen the effectiveness of the operation and ensure accountability.
In addition to combating illicit brews, the County Commissioner directed chiefs to intensify surveillance against cattle rustling by strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing collaboration with security agencies and working closely with neighbouring communities to prevent livestock theft.
He also instructed the administrators to step up public awareness campaigns on government programmes and policies to keep residents informed, encourage greater public participation in development initiatives and strengthen the relationship between the government and local communities.
By David Nduro
