The government has announced a nationwide 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to curb the production, sale, and consumption of illicit alcohol, with Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowing stern action against offenders.
Speaking in Kiambu on Monday after a security meeting at the County Commissioner’s office, Murkomen said the crackdown would target rogue licensed manufacturers, retailers, and consumers engaged in the trade of adulterated second-generation alcohol and narcotics, which he described as a “major national security threat.”
The CS warned politicians, senior government officials, police officers, and administrators allegedly complicit in the trade that they will be held accountable.
“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 with teams from both national and county levels to address the issue,” he stated.
Murkomen expressed concern over the proliferation of bars and small wines and spirits shops within residential areas and near learning institutions, operating around the clock. He pledged to engage the Council of Governors to regulate county-level licensing.
He further faulted licensed manufacturers accused of adulterating products, warning that their licenses would be revoked and businesses shut down.
Highlighting specific threats in central Kenya, Murkomen pointed to Kiambu as a hotspot for edible cannabis-infused products, including bread and snacks popularly known as Kangumu, targeting young people, particularly university students.
He directed sub-county security committees to involve student leaders, businesspeople, and religious organizations in sensitization efforts.
The CS also announced regular transfers within the National Police Service to curb corruption and compromise among officers overstaying in particular stations. He added that disciplinary action would be taken against officers found aiding the illicit trade.
Murkomen’s visit to Kiambu marked the 29th stop in his ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama county security tours.