Gachagua visits Juja OCS after attack by illicit brewers

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to illicit brewers who attack security officers in the ongoing exercise.

Speaking on Tuesday the DP said that tough actions will be taken against them.

"Tough action will be taken against the perpetrators of this attack and anyone who will attempt similar acts against officers leading this fight," he said.

Gachagua was speaking after visiting Juja Police Station OCS, Chief Inspector John Misoi, who is receiving treatment at Avenue Hospital in Thika town following an attack by brewers and sellers of illicit killer alcohol in Kiambu.

He was accompanied by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa and Juja MP George Koimburi among other leaders.

The DP wished the officer a quick recovery and assured him of his support as he recovered.

"Police and other officers who are at the forefront in this fight have the full Government support for successful implementation of the State's directives to deal with the menace," Gachagua added.

The DP vowed that the war against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse will not stop until our nation is free of these vices.

In a similar case last month, a senior police officer was stoned to death during an operation to recover suspected illicit alcohol in Ndori, Rarieda, Siaya.

Inspector Simon Mwangi Kariuki of Ndori police station was attacked by villagers as he and another officer arrested a suspected illicit brew dealer in the area.

The government in March announced several measures to address the menace of alcoholism and abuse of drugs.

This, however, elicited mixed reactions with some villagers resisting the measures.

The Cabinet proceeded to endorse measures the government has taken in the fight against illegal brews and narcotic drugs.

These measures, announced by the Interior Ministry, include a 21-day suspension of all 52 licences and permits issued to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol, revocation of all bar licences issued by counties against the law and an audit of conflict of interest within the ranks of enforcement agencies.

Other measures are nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution and consumption of illicit brew and narcotic drugs.