Mombasa: A multi-agency crackdown on illicit brews, counterfeit alcohol and drugs has been launched in West Pokot County as the Government moves to address the growing social and health consequences associated with alcohol and substance abuse.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise is being implemented under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and is part of a nationwide 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) ordered by President William Ruto to intensify the fight against drugs, illicit and counterfeit alcohol. The initiative targets all 47 counties and brings together various governmental bodies including the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), National Police Service, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), County Enforcement Officers, and Public Health Officers.
In West Pokot, the launch was spearheaded by West Pokot Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Kiarie, who led a multi-agency team during a public baraza at Kishaunet Centre in Kapenguria. The event was marked by the destruction of 1,800 litres of chang’aa and 500 rolls of bhang that had been confiscated in recent operations. Kiarie emphasized that the destruction of these products in the presence of the public was intentional to prevent seized illicit alcohol from re-entering the community.
Kiarie highlighted that the Government is committed to ensuring the directive is implemented at the grassroots level, with chiefs and NGAO officers instructed to maintain operations within their areas. The crackdown addresses concerns raised by residents and local administrators about the effects of alcohol and drug abuse, especially among youth.
The operation will be carried out in two phases, initially targeting illicit brews manufactured within communities, followed by businesses selling unregulated or illegal alcoholic products. Kiarie called on village elders, chiefs, and NGAO officers to support the initiative, assuring them of Government support for the operations.
Community involvement is a crucial part of the strategy, with residents urged to provide intelligence on the manufacture, supply, and sale of illicit alcohol and drugs. Kiarie assured that any information provided would be handled confidentially.
The challenge of products from neighboring counties and Uganda was acknowledged, with plans to engage administrators from neighboring jurisdictions to prevent West Pokot from becoming a market for these products. The use of motorcycles for transporting illicit products was identified as an emerging concern, prompting increased surveillance and route investigation.
Concerns about the integrity of enforcement officers were raised, with allegations of officers collecting money from alcohol dens instead of enforcing the law. Kiarie warned that such allegations would be taken seriously, and any compromising officers would face administrative action.
Residents like Daniel Rotich from Kachepkai Village expressed hope that the crackdown would address social problems linked to alcohol and drug abuse. He noted that some youth had resorted to crime for quick money to sustain their habits.
NACADA West Pokot County Coordinator Scola Komen stressed that the problem of alcohol and drug abuse is a national issue. She emphasized the need for community involvement in the 100-day initiative, combining enforcement with public education on the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs.
The involvement of NGAO officers is expected to strengthen the initiative, with public barazas and forums helping residents understand the dangers of substance abuse and encouraging community policing. The success of the initiative will depend on sustained community participation and accountability.
Authorities are set to continue operations across West Pokot, with a broader strategy involving surveillance, enforcement, public sensitization, and cross-border collaboration. The Government hopes the initiative will yield measurable results and lay the groundwork for ongoing action against alcoholism and drug abuse. For affected communities, the crackdown offers hope for reclaiming families, protecting young people, and restoring safer communities.
