Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to deal decisively with manufacturers and suppliers of illicit alcohol in the Country.

Murkomen said that the government, through the Anti-narcotics Unit, has intensified its crackdown targeting manufacturers, distributors and transporters believed to be engaging in the illegal liquor trade.

While promising tough charges and prosecution for those found culpable, Murkomen said that some of the manufacturers have already been apprehended and their factories shut down, with more arrests on identified individuals expected to be made soon.

“You are on our radar. We know that you are selling illicit alcohol to destroy the lives of our children and then you avail this alcohol proceeds to these politicians who go out there to mock us and finance political violence. You are on our radar and it will take the shortest time possible to get to you and to destroy that business, I have been advised accordingly,” he said.

“And we shall ensure that you receive a heavy sentence because we cannot allow a few people to destroy the lives of other people and generations because of cheap and poisonous alcohol, “he added.

The CS spoke in Nyeri County, Saturday, when he led other government officials and elected leaders for two fundraisers in Kieni and Nyeri town constituencies.

The CS said that the government had made significant progress in reducing alcohol consumption in Nyeri County, noting that the crackdown was now edging closer to the ranks of counties with the least alcohol consumption in the country.

Murkomen, however, noted that the biggest challenge in the war against the illicit brew menace is the proliferation of second-generation alcohol.

He said that the government is aware that some of the licensed alcohol manufacturers are misusing their licenses to produce substandard liquor in concealed sections of their premises and had intensified its crackdown to weed them out.

“Our biggest challenge is not the traditional alcohol like Muratina and Busaa but second-generation alcohol that is being manufactured by some individuals who operate legitimate-looking facilities, but allegedly produce substandard and illicit alcohol from hidden sections of their premises. We have already arrested some and closed down their factories and we have also identified others for arrest,” he noted.

The CS was accompanied by  the Principal Secretary (PS) for East Africa Affairs and ASALs, Dr Caroline Karugu, National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wa, Nyeri Senator, Wahome Wa Matinga, Members of Parliament, Rahab Mukami(Nyeri Women Rep),Sabina Chege(Nominated),Irene Njoki(Bahati), Eric Wamumbi(Mathira) and Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni)

He warned politicians against mobilizing the youth to disrupt political meetings and attacking their political opponents, adding that the government will not condone the culture of goonism in politics.

He said that security agencies and National Government Administration Officers, had been directed to ensure that politicians do not mobilise youth, for political expediency and violence.

“I have seen politicians clashing and then they later cry foul that I have failed in my duties as Interior CS. We will come for you and we will come for you hard,” he warned.

“We want politicians to sell their ideologies and manifestos to the electorate and after the meeting, the rallies must dispersed peacefully. I will not sit and allow politicians to misuse the youth to cause chaos,” declared Murkomen.

On the 2027 General Elections, the CS stressed that his responsibility was to ensure the country remained safe before, during and after polls. He said that he will not allow politicians to incite people to violence.

“My responsibility is to ensure that the country remains safe. I must also ensure that next year’s general election is held in a peaceful environment,” he stated.

By Wangari Mwangi