Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed officers tasked with leading the war against illicit brews to enforce the law without fear or favour. He chaired a follow-up meeting with representatives of security agencies and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies to assess enforcement of directives aimed at curbing production and distribution of illicit drinks. The meeting was held at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
Kindiki warned that those who abet the production, distribution, or sale of harmful drinks will face the full force of the law. He emphasized that enforcement agencies have been directed to be ruthless and that any government official compromising or allowing the sale or distribution of these products will face consequences. The Deputy President commended officers for their efforts so far and urged them to scale up the fight.
A multi-agency team has been formed to escalate the war against illicit drinks to every part of the country. Kindiki announced that he will chair a Multi-Sectoral High Level Team meeting every two weeks, bringing together stakeholders including industry and community representatives. The team will monitor enforcement, identify criminal elements, and oversee rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug addicts.
Kindiki emphasized the critical role of local communities in flushing out cartels driving the production and sale of prohibited liquor. He noted that community involvement has not been optimal and directed enforcement and regulatory agencies to work with communities at the local level to fine-tune intelligence gathering and identify culprits.
New legislative measures are being finalized to tighten the regulatory environment on ethanol importation and sale. Kindiki noted that sale of ethanol is one area that needs enhanced control, and action will be taken against those involved in illegal importation or diverting industrial ethanol for other uses.
The Deputy President warned politicians against interfering with the rollout of stringent measures, reiterating that this is a national security and economic welfare issue. He emphasized that politics will be kept out of this exercise, unlike in the past when it was politicized.
Kindiki's directives aim to curb the production and distribution of illicit drinks in Kenya. The government's efforts to tackle this issue have been ongoing, with the Deputy President's meeting marking a renewed commitment to enforcing laws and regulations. The involvement of multiple agencies and stakeholders is expected to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directs officers to enforce laws against illicit brews without fear or favour.
- A multi-agency team has been formed to escalate the war against illicit drinks.
- New legislative measures are being finalized to tighten the regulatory environment on ethanol importation and sale.
