MURKOMEN LAUNCHES 100 DAY CRACKDOWN ON ILLICIT ALCOHOL IN NATIONWIDE SECURITY OPERATION

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a countrywide 100-day crackdown on illicit alcohol, citing the growing threat of second generation alcohol and drug abuse as a national security concern. While addressing journalists at the County Commissioner’s office in Kiambu during a security meeting, the CS put rogue businesspersons on notice, launching a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) to combat the manufacture, sale, and consumption of illicit alcohol. Murkomen criticized the licensing of bars and wines and spirits outlets within residential areas and schools and colleges, particularly those operating around the clock-blaming county governments for lax regulation.

 He pledged to engage the Council of Governors to address the matter, noting that many of these establishments have become hubs for drug trafficking and are a nuisance to residents. “Kiambu is a top county for edible cannabis sativa sold in bread and mandazi, called Kangumu, targeting youth, especially in universities,” said Murkomen. He directed sub-county security committees to bring student leaders, business people, and religious leaders on board to reinforce the efforts. The CS emphasized that licensed manufactures found to be adulterating alcohol would face license revocation and business closure.

He warned that politicians, senior government officials, county officers, and police personnel found complicit in the illegal trade would face the full force of the law. Murkomen decried the conflict of interest, where individuals meant to enforce compliance are instead involved in the trade. He made these remarks during the 29th county tour under the Jukwaa la Usalama security engagement initiative, reiterating that the government is committed to stamping out illicit alcohol and drug abuse across the country.