Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo has ordered a ruthless crackdown on criminals and illicit brew dens, warning that those behind the vices will face the full force of the law.

Kilonzo has directed all Deputy County Commissioners in the six Sub-Counties to form Rapid Deployment Units to work jointly with chiefs and village elders in a coordinated operation targeting criminal elements and illicit brew across 4,000 villages.

Speaking during a security operation in Kimgeru Village in Chesumei Sub-County, the CC said the new strategy seeks to dismantle criminal networks that have thrived on collusion and lax enforcement, while also dealing decisively with the brewing and distribution of illicit liquor.

He was flanked by Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi and other senior security officers drawn from Administration Police, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).

“I have directed each Sub-County to create a rapid deployment unit. This team of officers will work with our chiefs and village elders in the 4,000 villages to crack down on criminals and illicit brews,” Kilonzo said.

The teams, he said, will escort chiefs and village elders on raids and security operations to dismantle illicit brew dens and arrest criminals and those behind the illicit trade.

The CC said the illicit brew menace remains a big challenge in the county and poses a grave threat to public health, youth productivity and the region’s economic mainstay, agriculture and athletics.

He warned that if left unchecked, the vice could wipe out a whole generation of young people and erode Nandi’s reputation as a sporting powerhouse.

“Illicit brew menace is a big challenge in this area and threatens to wipe out a whole generation if not tamed. Athletics is a key sporting activity in this county with huge economic impact. If illicit brew is left unabated, it will wipe out youth and sports talent, affecting the region’s economy,” Kilonzo said.

“This is a very serious concern and we will not relent until it is completely eradicated,” he added.

Kilonzo said security is paramount if meaningful development is to be realized in the agriculturally rich county, urging members of the public to volunteer information to chiefs and village elders to make the operation a success.

“Let us support our chiefs by giving them information so that we track and crack down on these criminal elements,” he said.

On his part, County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi said consumption of illicit brews was not only illegal but also dangerous to human health.

The brews, he said, were made through crude, unregulated and unhygienic methods using harmful substances making them unfit for human consumption.

He said police have intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering on brewing dens and chang’aa outlets, adding that suspects arrested will be arraigned and prosecuted.

“We have put measures in place to ensure those found engaging in brewing and selling of illicit brew face the law. We call upon members of the public to partner with us,” Mukuusi said.

Nandi County, which is known for producing world-beating athletes and is a leading producer of maize, tea and dairy, has in recent months witnessed a surge in illicit brew consumption, petty crime and cases of insecurity linked to alcohol abuse.

Security agencies in the area are banking on the new model, embedding police officers with chiefs and village elders to restore confidence in grassroots administration, ensure protection of informers and sustain operations even in remote villages.

By Kosuri Valarie