Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned government officers against helping produce, distribute or sell harmful alcoholic drinks.
Kindiki directed officers leading the crackdown on illicit brews to enforce the law firmly and without favour.
He said authorities will take action against any government official who helps people involved in the illegal alcohol trade.
“Enforcement agencies have been directed to be ruthless and any official of the Government of Kenya taking part in enforcement who compromises or allows sale or distribution of these dangerous products will face the consequences of the law,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki reviews crackdown on illicit brews
The Deputy President spoke on Wednesday at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
He chaired a follow-up meeting with security agencies and heads of regulatory and enforcement bodies.
The meeting reviewed progress in implementing government measures against the production and distribution of illicit alcohol.
Kindiki praised officers for their efforts so far. However, he called for stronger action across the country.
A multi-agency team is now leading efforts to expand the crackdown to different parts of Kenya.
“There has been work that has been ongoing but we want to scale it up. I commend the law enforcement and the regulatory agencies for the efforts they have made so far in the multi-agency format since the President ordered for the tightening of the responses to this menace,” Kindiki said.
DP to lead meetings every two weeks
Kindiki also announced plans to chair a high-level meeting every two weeks.
The Multi-Sectoral High Level Team brings together government agencies, industry representatives and community leaders.
The team will monitor enforcement efforts and identify criminal groups involved in the illegal alcohol trade.
It will also oversee efforts to rehabilitate people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
Kindiki calls for community involvement
The Deputy President said local communities must play a bigger role in the fight against illicit alcohol.
According to Kindiki, communities can help authorities identify cartels involved in producing and selling prohibited drinks.
“Our involvement of the community has not been optimal. We are going to optimize that involvement going forward,” Kindiki said.
He added that enforcement agencies should work closely with communities to improve intelligence gathering.
The approach will also help members of the public identify people who violate the law and put public safety at risk.
Government moves to control ethanol
Meanwhile, Kindiki said the government is finalising new laws to tighten controls on ethanol imports and sales.
He identified ethanol as one of the areas that requires stronger regulation.
“It has come out clearly that sale of ethanol is one of the areas we need to enhance control and also take action on people involved in illegal importation or diverting industrial ethanol for other uses,” he said.
The new measures will target people who illegally import ethanol or divert industrial ethanol for unauthorised uses.
Kindiki warns politicians against interference
Kindiki also warned politicians against interfering with the government’s crackdown.
He said previous efforts to fight illicit alcohol had faced political interference.
“In the past, this noble exercise has been politicized. This time round, we will not have anything of that nature because we will keep politics out of this. This is a national security and economic welfare issue,” he said.
The Deputy President maintained that the government will continue enforcing measures aimed at curbing harmful alcohol and protecting public safety.
