Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has declared an all-out war on illicit and poisonous alcohol in Kenya, vowing to pursue the entire chain of the trade, from manufacturers to distributors and retailers. Speaking at Kiutine Market in Igembe Central, Meru County, Kindiki emphasized that illicit brews laced with harmful chemicals had become a serious threat to the health and future of young people in Mt Kenya and across the country. He noted that the government would take decisive action to curb the menace.
Kindiki said that elders from across the region had rejected attempts to create a political divide between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, and that the unity call was not limited to one section of the mountain but was meant to eventually bring together communities across Kenya. He emphasized that the government would work to unite Kenyans across political and regional lines. The deputy president also stated that he had forgiven everyone who had insulted him and had no conflict with any leader.
The deputy president directed Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs), chiefs, and county commissioners to intensify enforcement against illicit brews and alcohol containing harmful substances. He pledged to personally lead the government's crackdown on those profiting from the deadly trade. Kindiki also announced that Kiutine and Kiengu police posts had been upgraded to full police stations, each to be headed by an OCS, as the government moves to tighten security in an area that has grappled with livestock theft and other crimes.
Kindiki announced that the government had deployed armoured vehicles to Igembe and restored the National Police Reservists (NPR) to full strength following recent losses. He stated that operations were continuing in Isiolo and Samburu East against armed criminals accused of attacking civilians and security officers. The deputy president emphasized that the government would not allow criminals to take over any part of Kenya.
On development, Kindiki announced Ksh.1 billion for the upgrade of Meru General Hospital to Level Six status and Ksh.100 million to upgrade and equip Maua-Nyambene Hospital to Level Five. He further stated that Ksh.2.3 billion had been set aside for electricity connectivity projects expected to link 17,000 new households across Meru County to the national grid. The projects aim to improve healthcare and infrastructure in the region.
The deputy president's visit to Meru County was also aimed at promoting unity in the Mt Kenya region. He emphasized that Kenyans must move forward together as one community, without room for political or regional divisions. Kindiki stated that he would follow the advice of elders, who are the custodians of the land, and work to unite all Kenyans.
Kindiki's call for unity and his declaration of war on illicit alcohol have been welcomed by residents of Meru County. The government's efforts to curb the trade in illicit brews and improve security and infrastructure in the region are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of local residents. The deputy president's visit has also highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the country.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki declares war on illicit alcohol
- Government to pursue entire chain of illicit trade
- Kindiki calls for unity in Mt Kenya region
