Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has revealed that 18,650 liquor joints have been closed down in the ongoing fight against illicit killer brews and narcotic drugs.

Speaking at Kisii Main Prison, Kindiki said that out of this, 6, 500 premises had valid licenses but were found to have contravened the Alcoholics Control Act while 12,150 joints were operating without licenses.

Further, he said the government has shut down 14 distilleries and destroyed their equipment after they were found to be operating against the laws.

“The government is determined to eradicate the menace once and for all by applying the law firmly.”

The CS said the government is sustaining the war permanently, just as it has sustained the war on other serious national security threats.

Additionally, he said , poisonous drinks and drugs have affected the youth making them unproductive but since they commenced the fight against illicit brew, other related crimes have gone low and this will be the trend going forward.

“Kenyans, and especially the youth, should engage in other productive activities instead of wasting their lives on drugs and substance abuse,” said Kindiki.

Professor Kindiki said the excuse of joblessness cannot be used to approve the kind of conduct that was being witnessed among the youth in both urban and rural centers.