Interior and National Administration CS Kithure Kindiki says 242 people have so far been arrested and arraigned over the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs, in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.
Speaking on Friday, Kindiki who met top security chiefs from the two counties said that each county has to develop a sustainable long-term plan tailored to tackle challenges, for the country to succeed in the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
"For the Country to succeed in suppressing the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of killer brews, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, each County has to develop a long-term, sustainable plan that is suited to the local dynamics of the matter," the Interior CS said.
He noted that in Embu County alone, 116 persons were arrested and prosecuted, 296 alcohol-selling premises licensed contrary to the law shut, and 270 rolls of bhang were seized.
Kindiki said that in the meeting with Embu security chiefs, they agreed on the plan for enforcement of the anti-illicit alcohol and anti-narcotics measures.
He added that they have also adopted measures for the reduction of crime, maintenance of law and order, and the monitoring and evaluation as well as schedule for reporting the same.
Kindiki noted that Tharaka Nithi is among the most affected counties by the menace of illicit alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
He said the situation has largely undermined the socio-economic progress of the county.
The CS said since the start of the eradication program, 11,000 litres of illicit alcohol and 300 rolls of bhang have been netted.
At least 126 persons have also been arrested and arraigned.
Kindiki said that during his meeting with Tharaka Nithi county security heads, they agreed on targets for eradication of illicit alcohol and other drugs, which is a priority program.
He said that they also set targets for other law enforcement priorities and coordination of National Government programs.
Kindiki has been on a tour of the counties as the government steps up the fight against illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country.
A few days ago, the state announced 25 measures it will implement to eradicate the menace of drugs and illicit alcohol in Kenya.
The program is being led by the Ministry of Interior and other key stakeholders.
