Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned police officers and a section of national government administration officers who are colluding with individuals engaged in distribution and selling of illicit brews within the central region.
Murkomen on Tuesday revealed that war against distribution and selling of illicit and counterfeit liquor is hindered by some security officers who collude with those involved in the illegal business.
Speaking during the launching of Jugwaa la Usalama initiative in Murang’a County, the CS singled out a locally known bar owner whom he said is controlling about 30 percent of Murang’a’s illicit liquor market.
He said that the suspect from Kahuro Sub County has been colluding and bribing police officers to shield him from arrest.
The unscrupulous businessman, Murkomen noted, has been evading arrests as well as avoiding paying taxes, as he has been using fake KRA stamps.
“In Murang’a we have one notorious illicit and counterfeit liquor seller. The individual owns about 58 liquor outlets within one Sub County. It’s unfortunate that the person has been evading arrest and prosecution since he is assisted by some police officers, “stated Murkomen.
The CS noted that the Inspector General of Police will take disciplinary action against police officers who will be found guilty of colluding with criminals.
“We will get those who are aiding criminals and also assisting them to escape from arrest. The multi-agency team will continue with the fight against the illicit and substandard brews which have affected many people in this county,” he added.
During a recent crackdown, the CS observed, officers confiscated counterfeit alcohol worth Sh3 million, with disciplinary action against the culprit already underway.
“Cracking down on this individual was very important because he has been controlling about 30 percent of the market sales. Such people cannot be allowed to thrive in our society,” He stated.
Murkomen commended local authorities for their vigilance in exposing illegal networks, urging them to remain proactive in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.
He assured residents that the Interior Ministry, working with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and other stakeholders, would continue to pursue offenders relentlessly.
“We are not fighting businesspeople; we are fighting criminals. Those who want to sell genuine, regulated products have nothing to fear. But those destroying lives with counterfeit alcohol must know that Murang’a is not a safe haven for them,” he added.
The CS further lauded the county for progress already made in curbing illicit brews, saying the crackdown had significantly lowered consumption levels and improved community well-being.
“Murang’a County has made incredible progress in lowering alcohol abuse compared to the other central region counties, and this is a collective victory for all of us,” Murkomen remarked.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the momentum, urging residents to play their part by reporting offenders and refusing to normalise alcohol abuse in society.
Murkomen further outlined the government’s next steps in addressing emerging threats and commended both local leaders and security agencies for their cooperation.
The CS noted that the once-widespread menace of criminal gangs in Murang’a has subsided considerably, with only a few isolated groups still attempting to operate.
He attributed this progress to the collective effort of leaders and security officers who, he said, have rejected the political manipulation of gangs.
“The issue of criminal gangs has greatly reduced, and this is thanks to the cooperation between the security team and our local leaders who have refused to allow politicians to use gangs for their own selfish interests,” Murkomen said.
The CS praised Murang’a County for making significant strides in improving security, saying the region has managed to weaken criminal gangs while intensifying the fight against illicit alcohol.
He said the ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama forums remain central in bringing communities together with security teams to strengthen peace and public safety.
By Bernard Munyao
