Interior Cabinet Secretary(CS) Kithure Kindiki on Monday said that illicit liquor, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances pose a significant challenge to the country’s security.
He said the gravity of the situation endangers public health and has broader implications for the stability and security of the nation.
Speaking during an anti-drugs abuse conference at the Mombasa ASK Showground. Mombasa, Kindiki maintained that the government considers manufacturers, transporters, distributors, and sellers of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs as enemies of Kenya and participants in organized crime.
Further, he said the perpetrators belonged to the same category as terrorists, bandits, and other perpetrators of complex criminal activities.
“We consider sellers, transporters, and manufacturers of illicit alcohol and enablers of this illicit trade as enemies of Kenya and participants in organised crime and hence place them in the same category with terrorists and bandits,” he said.
Did you read this?
Warning against complacency, Kindiki asserted complacent security agents and administrators will face immediate dismissal and prosecution, ruling out transfers.
“They will not be transferred to other jurisdictions,” the CS said.
He also revealed that the government will reward diligent Security and National Government Administration officers who unearth, thwart, and apprehend persons behind the trade in illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs.
Kindiki said the government will recognize and appreciate the officers through promotion and the award of State honors.