Kirinyaga County Commissioner (CC), Hussein Allasow, has cautioned motorists against reckless driving to avert road carnage during this festive season.
He also warned traders dealing in counterfeited liquor and illicit brews that stern action will be taken against those flouting safety rules, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting public safety.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Wang’uru Girls Senior School in Mwea Constituency, the County Commissioner said indiscipline on the roads and the continued sale of illegal alcohol remained major concerns that must be addressed decisively.
Allasow expressed concern over the rising cases of overspeeding along the busy Meru-Nairobi Highway. He noted that the highway, which passes through Kirinyaga County, has increasingly become a danger zone due to reckless driving, particularly by miraa transporters and other motorists rushing to meet delivery deadlines.
The CC warned that such behaviour had led to frequent road accidents, some resulting in serious injuries and loss of life.
He emphasised that no economic activity should come at the expense of human life, urging all road users to be extra cautious and strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
To curb the menace, Allasow directed traffic police officers and other security agencies to remain vigilant and intensify enforcement operations along the Meru-Nairobi Highway and other major roads within the county.
He said officers had been instructed to take firm action against offenders, including arresting and prosecuting drivers found speeding, overtaking carelessly or operating unroadworthy vehicles.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We cannot continue losing lives because of recklessness and disregard for the law,” the County Commissioner stressed.
He added that Jamhuri Day, which marks Kenya’s independence, should also serve as a time for reflection on discipline, responsibility and respect for life.
Turning to the issue of illicit brews and second generation alcoholic drinks, Allasow issued a strong warning to traders involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illegal alcohol.
He said such business had devastating effects on families and communities, leading to health complications, addiction and, in extreme cases, death.
The County Commissioner noted that the presence of illicit brews in Kirinyaga County had significantly gone down, following sustained crackdowns by security agencies and local administrators.
He said the government was determined to maintain the gains and would not allow illegal alcohol to make a comeback.
Allasow emphasised that continuous surveillance and enforcement operations would be upheld to ensure that no illicit brew finds its way back into the County.
“We have made progress, and we will protect it. There will be no room for illicit brews in Kirinyaga County; anyone found engaging in the illegal trade will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He further announced that the crackdown on illicit alcohol would be sustained, with all those involved in the illegal trade being identified, arrested and prosecuted.
CC reiterated that the government would not tolerate individuals who endanger the lives of wananchi for personal gain and called on members of the public to work closely with chiefs, assistant chiefs, Nyumba kumi committees and security officers by providing information that could help to completely eliminate the illegal alcohol trade. He said community cooperation was critical in winning the fight against social vices.
The County Commissioner urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to guide the youth and protect them from falling into drug and alcohol abuse.
He noted that enforcement alone was not enough and that strong family values and community support systems were essential for long-term solutions.
Leaders who attended the celebrations echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments, calling for discipline on the roads and collective responsibility in addressing illicit brews.
They urged residents of Mwea and the wider Kirinyaga County to embrace lawful economic activities and support government initiatives aimed at improving safety and public health.
As the country marked Jamhuri Day at Wang’uru Girls Senior School, Allasow reminded residents that independence comes with responsibility.
He urged them to uphold the rule of law, promote peaceful co-existence and actively contribute to building a safer and more prosperous Kirinyaga County.
By David Wandeto
