Residents of Lumakanda Division in Lugari Sub County have been asked to work closely with the government in order to enhance the war against illicit liquor and rampant insecurity cases.
Lumakanda Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Christine Cheboi told residents that the fight against the two vices is a collective responsibility for all stakeholders hence it should not be left for security agencies alone.
Cheboi made the remarks during a public baraza at Kona Mbaya area meant to address public complaints over the rising cases of illicit liquor selling and livestock theft in the area.
She underscored the need for members of the public to voluntarily share information that was crucial to combating crime and illicit brews with security agencies.
“If you have any crucial information, kindly share it. Our offices are open. You can visit and make any reports at the national government administration offices, the police or any other office for assistance,” she said.
She told residents that criminal elements are living with them hence the security agencies can only take action if they are identified and reported.
On the issue of Kona Mbaya community calling for forceful eviction of notorious illicit liquor sellers in the area, the ACC asked the residents to follow the right procedure and not to take the law into their own hands.
“I have heard your demands although I can’t make any decision now. However, I will present them to the sub-county security committee who will take it from there. All I want from you is that you pick three men and two women who will come and present demands to the committee when called upon,” Cheboi said.
She regretted that a section of residents was complaining that chiefs and their assistants were reluctant in the fight against illicit liquor and had been watching while culprits physically attacked the officers whenever they conducted raids.
The Sub County Administration Police Commander, John Mulei cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands when dealing with criminals but rather report or share information with relevant authorities.
“Let us work together in the fight against evil in society. Let everyone play their part and not leave everything for the police,” Mulei said.
“You have the power to arrest a criminal and call the police to pick him or her up. Alternatively, just report to the police and action will be taken.”
The Sub County Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Benjamin Some said there was a need to find firm ways of dealing with illicit liquor dealers in court rather than the current sentences like community service that are not deterrent.
Some cautioned members of the public against settling theft cases and other criminal offences at home as that encourages perpetration of crimes.
“If you report a case at the police office and a culprit has been arrested. Don’t withdraw the case. Let it be settled at the courts. In that way we shall be deterring other would-be offenders,” Some said.
Community representatives who spoke at the public baraza emphasized the negative impact of illicit liquor on the locals, attributing the recent mysterious deaths of several men and livestock theft cases in the area to it.
Washington Muzozo urged the community to be at the forefront in fighting crime and other societal evils like selling and consumption of illicit liquor in the area to safeguard the future of the coming generations.
He said individuals selling unlicensed and dangerous alcohol in the area are not the original inhabitants hence the community will follow the due procedure to evict them.
Muzozo stated, “Recently, the area has witnessed an increase in criminal activities especially livestock theft due to increased selling and consumption of illicit liquor. As residents we have a duty to take care of ourselves and guard the area against any evil as security starts with us.
“Let us not allow people from outside to come and ruin our area.”
Another resident Edmond Imbadu regretted that he has in the last few months participated in over ten funeral fundraisings of individuals suspected to have died after consuming spiked illicit liquor.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait and Brenda Wabwire
