Suspects arrested with chang'aa in Kakamega/HANDOUTPolice in Kakamega have arrested 24 people in a crackdown on
illicit brews, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the consumption and sale of
illegal alcohol in the area.
According to the National Police Service (NPS) officers from
Kakamega Police Station carried out the operation within Kakamega Town, where
they seized 84 litres of chang’aa.
The suspects, together with the exhibits, were taken to the
station and will be arraigned in court on Monday.
The service has vowed to intensify the crackdown, warning
members of the public against engaging in the trade and consumption of illegal
brews.
The police further urged residents to support their efforts
by providing timely information.
“We urge the public to continue supporting our operations by
sharing timely information through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, 112,” the
statement read.
The operation comes amid a nationwide push to eliminate
illicit alcohol, which authorities say poses grave health risks and has
contributed to social and economic problems in many communities.
In August, the government formed a special unit to lead the
war on illicit alcohol, drugs and adulterated ethanol.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary
Kipchumba Murkomen announced the formation of a national multi-agency team to
carry out sting operations across the country during a media briefing ahead of
the Jukwaa la Usalam Nyeri chapter.
The CS vowed to ensure continuous crackdowns until the vice
is decimated, not only in Central but also in other parts of the country where
the establishments are operating with illegal licenses or none.
"We have agreed at the security meeting with the IG and
the CEO NACADA that we are going to establish a special multi-agency team that
will include KEBS, KRA among other agencies to work together to ensure
compliance," revealed the CS.
He said the Multi-Agency Team will be coordinated from
Nairobi, where the regional and county needs support.
"Where we feel the need to reinforce, the national team
will be called in to support this issue of alcohol in our country."
Murkomen insisted that the fight against illicit brew,
substandard or counterfeit alcohol, drugs and substance abuse will continue
until it is decimated.
