Vihiga: Five people have been arrested in Vihiga Sub-county during an operation to wipe out illicit brews and narcotic drugs in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, the raid was conducted across Vihiga division during the first day of the Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) by a multi-agency security team led by the area Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Edward Epuret, and the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS), Kennedy Ochieng. In an interview, Epuret stated that the suspects, identified as Daniel Amoi, Irene Mbuka, Winston Mayodi, Anahinga aka Masagate, and Florah Kindah, would be arraigned in court Monday.

The suspects were found in possession of 108 litres of chang'aa, three packets of counterfeit cigarettes, eight brooms of bhang, and 23 rolls of bhang. The OCS issued a stern warning to residents engaged in brewing, selling, and consumption of illicit brews and hard drugs, as well as those joining emerging organized gangs. He emphasized that they would be promptly arrested and charged in court if found culpable.

Ochieng urged those who managed to escape during the operation to change their ways and engage in constructive businesses, warning that the long arm of the law would eventually catch up with them. He advised area residents, particularly women and youth, to pursue other legal business ventures that do not jeopardize people's futures, assuring that the government will continue its fight against societal vices.

Ochieng highlighted that the ongoing government crackdown on illicit brews and drugs will be a continuous effort to ensure development in the region.