The Ministry of Interior will conduct a specialized operation targeting commercial suppliers of adulterated alcohol and distributors in efforts to fight alcohol abuse in the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) have been directed to cut off the supply of alcohol before targeting consumers.
He expressed concern that people have been taking advantage of the insecurity that was being experienced in the area to import illegal brews from a neighboring country through West Pokot to Elgeyo Marakwet, then to Trans Nzoia, and finally to other parts of the country.
Speaking during the burial of Endo Ward MCA Jeremiah Kibiwott at his home in Kasige village, the CS said with peace returning in the area, security officers will now have time to seal all the panya routes that were being used to transport the brews.
He added that the government will also embark on the construction of a rehabilitation center in the county to ensure that those addicted to drugs and alcohol get the assistance they require.
The CS said there were people still in possession of illegal guns in the North Rift area and vowed to repossess them, saying the repossessing exercise was not a one-off thing but would be a continuous exercise until all the illegal firearms are mopped up.
Murkomen also directed all Ngao officers to move from door to door to realize 100 percent transition from junior to senior secondary, stressing all children must go to school. He appealed to wananchi to support the government by reporting any child who is still at home.
Murkomen called on all MCAs in the county to look for 10 vulnerable children from their wards, pledging to pay Sh10,000 for each of them.
He also called on residents to redouble their efforts in the construction and improvement of their schools to ensure their children learn in a conducive environment.
The CS said he was liaising with his land counterpart to ensure that the government expedites the adjudication process, especially in the Kerio Valley.
He added there were plans to start a university in Tambach before establishing a branch in the Kerio Valley, where residents have already provided land for construction.
The CS also called on residents to apply for the national identity cards, which are being issued free of charge, and to register as voters to ensure they exercise their right to vote for their leaders of choice in the upcoming General Election.
Area Governor Wisley Rotich said the deceased was one of the people who fought hard to ensure peace prevailed in the area, and it was sad that he didn’t enjoy the peace he fought so hard for.
By Alice Wanjiru
