Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to politicians and security officers found to be aiding or abetting drug and substance abuse
The CS vowed that such individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Speaking during the final leg of the Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Embu County, Murkomen cautioned local leaders against interfering in anti-drug operations and intimidating law enforcement personnel.
He emphasised that security officers found colluding with drug traffickers or shielding offenders will not be spared.
"Politicians will not be allowed to intimidate officers by lodging complaints, making calls, or harassing police, chiefs, and assistant chiefs when suspects are arrested," the CS declared. "Officers who get involved with these criminals will also not be spared."
Murkomen voiced deep concern over the growing consumption of illicit brews, second-generation alcohol, and outlawed drugs, especially in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties.
He revealed that a crackdown has been launched against individuals cultivating Cannabis Sativa in the Mt Kenya forest, noting that the vice has become a regional crisis.
"Illicit brew, second-generation alcohol, and drug abuse is a matter of serious concern in this region," he said. "We are working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service in the three counties to apprehend those growing Cannabis Sativa in the forest. They will be dealt with accordingly."
The CS linked the rise in suicide cases in the region to the abuse of drugs and adulterated alcohol. He highlighted a disturbing trend where unscrupulous locals are using animal feed, popularly known as Nguzo, to brew dangerous alcoholic substances.
Murkomen also confirmed that the multi-agency task force has arrested several suspects, including distributors and retailers of the harmful substances. However, he stressed that the fight cannot be won by security forces alone.
"Security officers cannot succeed without the cooperation of the local community," he said, urging residents to support ongoing efforts to eliminate drug peddlers and brewers from the region.
The CS was responding to frustrations expressed by officers on the ground, who cited political interference as a major barrier in the war against drugs.
In collaboration with agencies such as NACADA and Kenya Wildlife Service, Murkomen reiterated the government's commitment to ending the scourge of drug and substance abuse, warning that no one, regardless of rank or influence, will be exempt from prosecution.
