The government is set to undertake a major countrywide crackdown on illicit alcohol businesses, targeting manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, while addressing journalists in Kiambu at the County Commissioner’s office after a security meeting, put on notice rogue business persons engaged in the illicit trade, announcing a 100-day Rapid Result Initiative ( RRI) to rid the country of the menace.

The CS noted that the manufacture, sale and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotics remain a major national security threat and directed sub-county security teams to engage local stakeholders to curb the prevalence.

He issued a stern warning to politicians who allegedly support this illegal business, claiming that complicity by officers seeks to kill businesses. 

At the same time, Murkomen weighed in on the issue of conflict of interest, noting it’s regrettable that majority of the owners of the illegal business are senior government officials and in the counties, police officers and politicians, warning that they will be dealt with according to the law.

“Police officers, administration officers, politicians and influential personnel who are supposed to ensure compliance are complicit. Within the next 100 days, we will be doing RRI that will comprise a team from the national level and the county to make sure the issue is addressed,” stated the CS.

He added that chiefs and ACCs will be part of the assignment to clean up their region, such as Central and other parts of the country.

The CS raised concerns over the emergence of bars and small wine and spirits shops that are used to trade illicit alcohol and drugs in Kiambu and the entire Mount Kenya region.

“Adulterated alcohol and drug abuse remains a major concern in this region, although the security teams have made great progress in the last year and this year,” said the CS, in Kiambu during the 29th counties tour security engagement dubbed Jukwaa la Usalama.

He faulted the production and manufacture of second-generation alcohol (licensed manufacturers, also involved in adulterating other alcohol) that their licenses will be withdrawn for misuse and businesses closed.

Murkomen faulted the licensing of bars and wine, and spirits outlets by the county government within residential areas, schools, colleges operating 24/7 and promised to engage the Council of Governors to address the matter.

“Kiambu is a top county for edible cannabis sativa sold in bread and mandazi, called Kangumu, targeting youth ( universities are most affected). I have directed the sub-county security committees to invite student leaders, business people, religious among other leaders to be part of the team to help reinforce,” said the CS.

The CS also cautioned officers who will be found culpable that formal action will be taken against them. 

He explained that the ministry, through NPS, will institute regular transfers to avoid officers who have stayed in a station for long from being compromised.