The government has raised concern over the spread of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga County, warning that the trade is affecting young people and threatening the future of families.

Kirinyaga County Police Commander Anderson Njagi said the government would intensify the fight against illegal brews, calling on residents to work with security agencies to protect the younger generation from alcohol abuse.

Speaking in Kianyaga, Gichugu Constituency, during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Njagi said Kirinyaga had an alarming variety of illicit alcoholic drinks and urged residents to unite in tackling the problem.

He said mothers had raised concerns about the impact of illicit alcohol on their sons, warning that the community risked losing its young generation if the problem was not addressed.

“Kirinyaga seems to be the headquarters of bad brews. The names are so many that you can fill a Probox with the list,” Njagi said.

He urged elders, parents, youth and community leaders to support police efforts to eliminate the illegal trade, saying the fight could only succeed through collective responsibility.

“I am pleading with all of us, starting with the elders and youth, to work together to fight this brew. If we work together, we will finish it,” he said.

The police commander also called on residents to report police officers suspected of colluding with illicit alcohol dealers, assuring them that his office was ready to act on such information.

“If you know my officers are compromising with this brew, my door is open. Come and tell me, and we will fight it day and night. We are not going to relent,” he said.

Njagi warned that continued alcohol abuse among young people could undermine the community’s future, urging residents to take an active role in protecting their children.

Kirinyaga County Administration Police Commander Gladys Kosgey urged parents to closely supervise their children during the school holiday to protect them from accidents and other dangers.

Kosgey cautioned parents against allowing children to roam freely without supervision, urging them to know their whereabouts and keep them engaged in constructive activities.

She specifically warned against allowing children to swim unsupervised in rivers, including River Thiba, saying such activities could expose them to danger during the holiday.

The AP commander urged parents to guide their children, assign them appropriate household chores and ensure they spend their free time responsibly.

She said Mashujaa Day was an opportunity to honour the heroes who fought for Kenya’s independence and reflect on the responsibility of protecting the freedom they secured.

By David Wandeto