Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to sellers of harmful alcoholic drinks in Kenya, declaring that they will be arrested and made to account for putting the lives of Kenyans at risk. Speaking in Limuru Constituency, Kiambu County, Prof. Kindiki stated that the fight against harmful drinks has been intensified and no one will be spared. He assured Kenyans that the government will not allow anyone to sell poisonous drinks in the name of alcohol.
Prof. Kindiki, who previously served as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, drew parallels between the fight against illicit alcohol traders and past successes in battling terrorists in Lamu and bandits in Northern Kenya. He warned that merchants of poisonous drinks will face a similar fate, stating that some sellers do not even have premises and simply mix chemicals to sell to Kenyans. The Deputy President emphasized that the government will inspect all alcoholic manufacturers' premises to ensure compliance with quality and public health standards.
During the event, Prof. Kindiki flagged off milk coolers for various dairy cooperative societies in Kiambu County. He noted that 227 coolers have been distributed to farmers across the country, with 13 coolers being bought at 98.14 million shillings for Kiambu. The initiative aims to reduce wastage, aid in processing, and increase value addition, ultimately making more income for farmers. Over 21,500 dairy farmers in Kiambu will benefit, with 15.7 million liters of milk saved from wastage annually, earning them 769 million shillings.
The Deputy President also highlighted the success of interventions in the milk sub-sector, which have led to a significant increase in production, pushing Kenya to the top of Africa in processed milk production. He emphasized that the government is committed to meeting its bargain with milk farmers, which has contributed to the increase in production. Prof. Kindiki also urged Mt. Kenya residents not to heed attempts to incite them against each other due to political choices.
Prof. Kindiki assured residents that he will be focused on his duties and service to them, rather than engaging in insults and incitement. He emphasized that incitement and violence are not politics, but rather criminal and unacceptable. The Deputy President also highlighted ongoing affordable projects in Kiambu, worth 52 billion shillings, including 29 modern markets, housing projects, and hostels, as well as road construction and expansion.
The event was attended by several leaders, including MPs Chege Kiragu, Alice Ng'ang'a, Mburu Kahangara, Anne Wamuratha, and Njuguna Kawanjiku, as well as Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke. The Deputy President's message was clear: the government will not tolerate the sale of harmful drinks and will take action against those responsible.
In conclusion, Deputy President Kindiki's warning to illicit alcohol sellers is a significant step towards protecting the lives of Kenyans. With the government's efforts to inspect manufacturing premises and crack down on sellers of poisonous drinks, Kenyans can expect a safer and healthier environment. The distribution of milk coolers and other initiatives also demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting farmers and improving the economy.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warns sellers of harmful alcoholic drinks that they will be arrested and made to account for putting the lives of Kenyans at risk.
- The government will inspect all alcoholic manufacturers' premises to ensure compliance with quality and public health standards.
- Kenya has become the largest producer of processed milk in Africa due to successful interventions in the milk sub-sector.
