MACHAKOS – Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to criminals considering Tala town in Matungulu Sub County as a refuge. The Cabinet Secretary’s statement came during his address in Tala, following a security and intelligence committee meeting.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tala has become a haven for criminals fleeing Nairobi, particularly from the Eastlands area, due to its geographic proximity. The government, he stated, is committed to eradicating these criminal elements, particularly those involved in the sale and consumption of illicit substances. Kindiki’s directives emphasized a collaborative effort between Machakos and Nairobi security teams to prevent any sanctuary for criminal activities.
The focus of the crackdown includes combatting drug peddling and the use of prohibited substances like shisha. The Cabinet Secretary directed Machakos security forces, under County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, to enforce stringent measures ensuring Tala does not serve as a ground for activities detrimental to youth, such as exposure to alcohol, drugs, child pornography, and trafficking.
Kindiki also highlighted the success of the ongoing national campaign against illicit liquor, noting the closure of over 9,000 unlicensed establishments since the operation’s inception on March 7. The initiative has also seen the shutdown of illegal distilleries, with measures taken to dismantle their production capabilities.
Moreover, the enforcement of licensing regulations has been stringent, with 4,800 establishments losing their licenses for being too close to educational institutions. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to purge the nation of drug and alcohol abuse, underscoring the link between societal success and the wellbeing of its populace.