The Mountain Journal
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed a fresh inspection of alcohol manufacturing premises to ascertain the current state of compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
The DP said the government is keen to get rid of illicit alcoholic drinks and drugs through strict enforcement of directives and laws to protect Kenyans from consuming prohibited drinks.
“The Government continues to sustain the war against illicit alcohol and drug abuse to protect public health and secure the nation for present and future generations. Intelligence-led multi-agency sting operations are progressively dismantling cartels, disrupting supply chains and incapacitating unlicensed manufacturing establishments,” DP stated.
The DP on Tuesday at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi met Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and heads of regulatory and enforcement agencies to assess enforcement of various directives and measures to curb production and distribution of the illicit drinks.
Prof. Kindiki warned against politicization of the fight, urging the security agencies to enforce the law despite frustrations by politicians with vested interests.
“This is not a political matter. Security cannot be a political matter. The achievements we have made in all serious national security issues including the fight against terror, the fight against banditry, and now the fight against illicit alcoholic drinks and drug abuse, have been made because of depoliticizing the issues. There is no way politics and security can go together. We encourage the security agencies to do their job even when there is political noise,” he insisted.
As the battle against prohibited liquor intensifies, the Second in Command said the regulation of legalized drinks is being re-examined to ensure sale, distribution, and consumption happen within established lawful frameworks.
“We are going to look at the licensing of the legitimate drinks. We have to control it; otherwise, people will drink every day, everywhere, and anyhow, and that has implications on the economy. Some countries have begun having their own alcohol-related legislation. We can try to replicate the best practices,” DP stated.
He said he will convene a special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting next month to tighten the collaborative response between the national and county governments.
In the meantime, the DP asked CS Murkomen to hold a sector forum bringing together key stakeholders in the next two weeks on licensing and control of alcohol trade and consumption as well as the framework for partnership in establishing and running of rehabilitation services.
“Looking at what this menace is doing to our communities, I will convene a special IBEC to tighten our collaboration with the counties. We will do a special IBEC next month so that we strengthen the partnership,” he said.
Among the issues to be considered is the establishment of at least one major rehabilitation center in every county in the next one year.
At the same time, Prof. Kindiki promised relentless pursuit of those trading in the illicit business when he inspected development projects in Mathira constituency, Nyeri County later on Tuesday.
He warned that tough action will be taken against them.
“There are people selling our youth and elderly people alcohol that contains chemicals that harm their health, affect them and threaten the generation that is coming after us. The Government will continue dealing with all those involved,” he said.