MURANG’A, Kenya – In a significant operation against the illegal alcohol trade, Murang’a County’s multiagency team has impounded thousands of litres of substandard and illicit liquor, leading to the arrest of 583 suspects. The crackdown, led by local security personnel over the past two weeks, also resulted in the seizure of materials such as ethanol, which is used in the manufacture of alcohol.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county security team, supported by officers from other agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti Counterfeit Agency, and the Government Chemist, has made substantial progress since the initiative’s launch. Nkanatha, in a press briefing on Tuesday, highlighted the operation’s achievements, including the arrest of a significant number of suspects and the confiscation of hundreds of crates of illicit brews.
The operation aimed to combat the widespread issue of alcoholism in the region by targeting the sale and distribution of illegal alcohol. Nkanatha noted that 270 of the 583 cases have already been concluded, with the government collecting Sh7.2 million in fines from these cases. The results from the government chemist and KEBS are pending, which will help determine the exact nature of the impounded substances.
Additionally, the crackdown saw the seizure of 94 kilograms and 956 rolls of bhang, with one peddler having branded the narcotic substance. This part of the operation dismantled a significant drug syndicate, according to Nkanatha.
Murang’a County Police Commander David Mathiu also commented on the efforts, emphasizing the security team’s commitment to eradicating the illicit brew menace from production to distribution. He urged security officers to remain serious and uncorrupted in their duties.
In parallel, the county security team is conducting Operation Linda Mananasi, targeting pineapple theft from Delmonte farms. This operation has led to the recovery of 16,905 pineapples, the conviction of 222 criminals, and the collection of Sh3,096,000 in fines. Several motorcycles and vehicles used in transporting the stolen pineapples have been impounded as well.
These concerted efforts underscore the determination of Murang’a authorities to address not only the illegal alcohol trade but also other forms of criminal activity affecting the region’s safety and economic well-being.
MOMBASA, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared the government’s intention to initiate a comprehensive crackdown on drug barons in the coastal region of Kenya. This announcement was made during the Coast Region Conference on Illicit Alcohol, Narcotic Drugs, and Other Psychotropic Substances, highlighting the government’s concern over national security challenges and the threat posed by illicit substances to future generations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, along with Nairobi and Kiambu, are identified as the top regions with 43 percent of individuals involved in the misuse of hard injectable drugs. The government’s stance categorizes producers, transporters, distributors, and vendors of illegal narcotics and alcohol as national adversaries, equating their activities with those of terrorists and bandits.
Kindiki further stated that any security officers and administrators found complicit in enabling the trade of these substances would face immediate termination and legal prosecution, marking a zero-tolerance policy towards collusion with drug networks. Conversely, officers who demonstrate exceptional diligence in combating the drug trade will be acknowledged and honored by the government through promotions and state awards.
The conference saw participation from several key government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, and other representatives from health, gender, culture, and the blue economy sectors. Discussions focused on stringent measures to combat the production, transportation, and sale of illicit substances in the coastal region.
Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali underscored the urgency of addressing the drug menace that has adversely affected the youth in Mombasa, emphasizing the need for a collective community effort to foster a safer environment free from drugs. Ali criticized the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for its insufficient coverage of drug hotspots in the region, calling for more comprehensive action.
The Deputy President, who presided over the conference, assured attendees of the government’s dedication to supporting the strategies discussed, with a commitment to eradicating narcotics and illicit brews across the nation. This pledge reinforces the government’s resolve to address the drug issue as a critical priority for the safety and well-being of its citizens.
MURANG’A, Kenya – In an urgent appeal to the government, leaders from Murang’a County have requested the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation to enhance water connectivity in the region’s semi-arid areas. The appeal was made during a National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) projects meeting in Makuyu, Maragua constituency, organized by the Women Representative, Betty Maina.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murang’a’s agricultural potential is significantly hindered by inadequate water supply, despite the presence of large volumes of water from recent projects and dams in Maragua and Ithanga. They emphasized that connecting areas like Makuyu and Kambiti to reliable water sources could transform these zones into major contributors to Kenya’s food security.
The leaders highlighted the region’s capacity for producing fruit trees, such as mangoes and oranges, which thrive in the area’s fertile lands. Maina praised the government’s efforts in improving road connectivity, which facilitates easier transportation of farm produce to markets. She stressed that access to water for both domestic and agricultural purposes would not only enhance food production but also improve the quality of life for the residents by reducing the need for long, arduous journeys in search of water.
Kambiti ward MCA Laban Chomba echoed these sentiments, advocating for initiatives to drill boreholes in Makuyu and Kambiti. He called on the national government to prioritize water provision to alleviate the burdens faced by the elderly in their quests for water.
Residents, including Adonesia Kangai from Mithini, shared their struggles with accessing clean drinking water, highlighting the health risks associated with contaminated water and the physical toll of fetching water from distant sources. Jane Wanjiru underscored the dependency on external aid due to the chronic dry conditions, expressing the community’s desire for self-sufficiency through farming if water were available.
In a move to support local development, Maina encouraged women to form registered self-help groups to qualify for government grants and funds. As part of the day’s event, four women’s self-help groups received a total of Sh550,000 for local projects, and seven learning institutions in Makuyu were each awarded a 5,000-liter water tank to alleviate the burden of fetching water on students.
The event, which also saw the distribution of 1,300 blankets to elderly residents above 67 years and essential food items to all attendees, was attended by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Murang’a South DCC Gitonga Murungi, area MCA Thomas Muteti, the sub-county security committee, and several other Murang’a MCAs. The collective call to action underscores the critical need for comprehensive water solutions to unlock Murang’a County’s agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of its residents.