The Rift Valley regional security team has launched a joint operation to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit brew across the region, as part of a renewed push to enhance public safety and protect lives.
The multi-agency crackdown targets illegal alcohol brewing and distribution dens that have continued to pose serious socioeconomic and health challenges to communities within the Rift Valley.
The decision to roll out the operation was reached during a high-level security meeting held at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria, West Pokot County.
The meeting brought together senior security commanders from Turkana County, Trans Nzoia County, Elgeyo Marakwet County and Uasin Gishu County, areas that have been significantly affected by the illicit brew menace.
Authorities say the consumption of illicit alcohol has contributed to loss of lives, family instability, low economic productivity and increased crime rates in several counties.
It has also emerged that some liquor joints have been operating near learning institutions, making it easy for learners to access the substances.
Parents in the affected areas termed the trend a serious threat to education, warning that many learners have already turned to alcohol consumption and risk dropping out of school.
“This is destroying the future of our children. Some of them are already addicted, and if urgent action is not taken, we will see more school dropouts,” said one parent during the consultative forum.
The parents, who cited several affected localities, demanded tough action against those behind the trade and threatened to stage demonstrations if authorities fail to act decisively.
“We are ready to take to the streets to protect our children if the government does not close down these illegal outlets,” another parent warned.
The operation brings together officers from the National Police Service, the Administration Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, who will work collaboratively to ensure effective enforcement and sustained security outcomes.
Security officials noted that the affected counties share porous borders with Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda, raising concerns that some of the illicit substances could be originating from across the borders. Commanders resolved to strengthen surveillance and enforcement along these corridors.
The regional security team emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence sharing among officers operating within the region, particularly those deployed at border points, to dismantle supply chains and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Speaking during the meeting, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi called for stronger collaboration with key stakeholders in the fight against illicit brews and hard drugs.
He singled out the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) as critical partners in the ongoing operation.
Ndanyi warned that the crackdown would not tolerate sabotage from within the security ranks, noting that some officers had previously undermined similar efforts by leaking information to suspects.
“The arm of government will reach anyone involved in sabotaging these operations, and appropriate action will be taken without fear or favour,” he said.
The Regional Police Commander added that the crackdown is part of a broader regional security strategy, with similar consultative meetings scheduled in the remaining counties to ensure uniform implementation.
On the broader security situation, Ndanyi acknowledged persistent banditry challenges affecting parts of the region. He observed that insecurity often escalates during the dry season due to acute shortages of pasture and water.
“Competition over limited resources fuels cross-border movements by pastoralist communities, and this sometimes results in banditry and related criminal activities,” he explained.
By Kimutai Langat
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