Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed security agents to swiftly crack down on illicit brew and hard narcotics in the Rift Valley region.
To combat the threat, the DP asked for a joint effort by security services and the leaders of all 14 counties in the region.
"The way to solve a threat is to first acknowledge that it exists," he remarked while commissioning a meeting of Rift Valley leaders and other stakeholders in Nakuru County to discuss reducing illegal brews and drug usage.
Based on the data from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Addiction (NACADA), the Rift Valley region closely follows the Central area regarding illicit drug addiction.
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Gachagua cautioned that the government would not entertain police who fail to carry out this order, which wants to save the region, as the region's youthful generation, which primarily consumes illicit and second-generation alcohol, threatens extinction.
"The situation deteriorated due to the previous administration's laxity." They skipped work. I am requesting that police officers perform their duties. Arrest these individuals. The station commanders will decide the outcome of the conflict. Station commanders will assess its success or failure," stated the DP, who ordered the crackdown to begin immediately.
Leaders present repeated the views, saying that officers shielding dishonest sellers would not be spared and adding that only registered dealers would be permitted to operate while their licenses were re-evaluated.
Alcohol addiction is a big concern in Rift Valley, according to the NACADA, due to high consumption levels, ease of availability, cost, and accessibility.
The DP urged county officials to help the government reduce the threat by limiting license issuing.
At the same time, the Deputy President used the occasion to issue a strong warning to leaders who are helping and abetting the country's silent rebirth of the outlawed Mungiki criminal organization.
"This criminal gangs being revived by democrats cannot and will not be allowed," he said.
He urged all security forces in the Rift Valley region to remain on high alert and prevent gang infiltration into the area.
"Rift Valley is a sensitive area, and we must keep criminals out." "You must be harsh on these guys within the confines of the law."
The meeting resulted in the approval of a statement outlining a framework for coordination between and among government entities in dealing with the threat.
County leaders have been urged to audit licenses issued to bars and restaurants, while security agencies charged with investigating have been encouraged to explore and gather information as the government considers having those running illegal businesses forfeit their assets.
The DP has also declared a crackdown on all illegal and unregistered distilleries, threatening security personnel who are discovered to be complacent with terrible consequences.
