Members of the Kigumo Sub County security team on Tuesday presided over the destruction of bhang and disposal of illicit alcohol that was held as exhibits at the Kigumo Law Courts.
During the exercise, more than 10 sacks of bhang and over 2,000 litres of illicit brew, including the type commonly referred to as “second generation” brews, were destroyed.
The operation brought together police officers, administrators and members of the public as the government intensified the crackdown on illicit brews and narcotic drugs in the Sub-County and the larger Murang’a.
Speaking during the exercise, Assistant County Commissioner Danson Waithaka said the destruction of the exhibits was part of government efforts to ensure that illegal alcohol and drugs do not find their way back into society.
Waithaka said the government had heightened surveillance and enforcement operations targeting manufacturers, distributors and sellers of illicit alcohol and narcotic substances, noting that the crackdown would continue until the vice is completely eradicated.
“We cannot allow our youths and families to continue suffering because of a few individuals who are making profits through illegal alcohol and drugs. This exercise is a clear message that the government is serious and will not relent in this fight,” said Waithaka.
He warned residents engaging in the illegal business to immediately stop saying security agencies were closely monitoring the area and stern action would be taken against offenders.
“Those still engaging in the sale of illicit brews and cannabis should look for alternative sources of income because the government has fully intensified this operation. We are going after everybody involved in this illegal trade,” he added.
Waithaka further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help identify individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit brews and drugs.
He noted that the fight against illicit alcohol required collective responsibility from both the government and the community, adding that the substances had continued to destroy families, increase insecurity and negatively affect the future of many young people.
Lucy Wairimu Kimani, a village elder in Kigumo praised security officers and administrators for intensifying the crackdown on illicit brews and narcotic drugs, saying the move had brought hope to many affected families in the area.
Wairimu observed that illicit brews and drugs had devastated many households with many youths abandoning school and productive livelihoods due to addiction.
“For a long time families have suffered silently because of these illegal brews and drugs. We are now seeing hope because the government has become firm and serious in dealing with the people behind this business,” she remarked.
She added that residents were ready to continue supporting the relevant government agencies by reporting individuals involved in the sale of illicit alcohol and narcotics, insisting that the vice must be completely eliminated from the community.
By Bernard Munyao
