Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has launched a crackdown on illicit liquor in Baringo County, with a focus on tackling the production and sale of ethanol-laced brews. He made the announcement during a meeting with security officials and local leaders in Kabarnet, the county's administrative center. Murkomen directed security personnel to apprehend those involved in the illicit trade and bring them to justice.
The minister revealed that he had received reports of a surge in illicit liquor production and sale in Kabarnet and neighboring areas. He specifically mentioned a woman known as Targok, who is allegedly involved in the trade and has been previously arrested and released by authorities. Murkomen instructed the police to prioritize Targok's capture and prosecution.
During the operation, police discovered a secret room built under the floor of a bathroom in a residential house in Kaprogonya village. The room, which was designed to resemble a water tank, contained over 40 jerrycans of suspected ethanol, totaling over 1,000 liters. The discovery was made after a two-hour search of the premises.
The Baringo County government has expressed concern over the proliferation of illicit liquor, which has been linked to various social problems, including crime and health issues. Murkomen warned that the county's security personnel will be held accountable if they fail to curb the trade. He also urged local leaders to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
In addition to tackling illicit liquor, Murkomen addressed the issue of child abuse and defilement in the county. He urged local leaders to stop handling such cases informally and instead report them to the authorities for prosecution. The minister noted that some perpetrators of child abuse are often people in positions of trust, including family members, teachers, and church leaders.
The police have been working to dismantle the networks involved in the illicit liquor trade. The operation in Kaprogonya village was part of a broader effort to curb the production and sale of ethanol-laced brews in the county. The authorities have been working to identify and apprehend those involved in the trade.
The minister's directive has been welcomed by local residents, who have expressed concern over the impact of illicit liquor on their community. The county government has pledged to work with security agencies to ensure that those involved in the trade are brought to justice.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has launched a crackdown on illicit liquor in Baringo County.
- The production and sale of ethanol-laced brews have been linked to various social problems.
- The authorities have identified a suspect, known as Targok, who is allegedly involved in the illicit liquor trade.
