In a move aimed at combating illegal alcohol, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned chiefs who fail to enforce the ban of illicit liquor with dismissal.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Makutano, Meru county, the CS cautioned the local administrators against neglecting their duties as the government intensifies crackdown on illicit brew, emphasising the need for strict compliance.
Murkomen urged the chiefs to take their responsibilities seriously in regard to taking strict action against those who engage in illicit brew trade and use, warning that inaction would not be tolerated.
“The reason why the government has the chief and assistant chief is so that they keep an eye on all households and it’s not possible for illicit brew to be sold at any village without the chief or assistant chief’s awareness,” Murkomen said.
“And we are saying that if we find illicit brew and drugs being sold in any location or sub-location where the chief is and he fails to report or be in possession of a written report, which says that we need enforcement here, then that chief will lose his job because he is sleeping when our children are struggling.”
Murkomen emphasised that the responsibilities of chiefs go beyond their salaries as they are entrusted with the well-being of their localities.
He urged them to uphold their duties with dedication and emulate the commitment shown by their predecessors in securing the welfare of communities.
Murkomen further hinted at partnering with other leaders to ensure that licensed sellers do not engage in the sale of illicit brew, stressing the need for strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent the misuse of those with alcohol permits.
“We will stand firm and we will fight all the cartels that
are selling alcohol, drugs to our children because we are losing a generation
because of drugs and alcohol,” he said.
His remarks echo the sentiments of his predecessor Kithure Kindiki who declared a crackdown on illicit alcohol and brew across the country last year.
Kindiki had declared a nationwide crackdown on illicit alcohol and brew, an operation which led to over 18,650 liquor joints being shut down.
