DP warns manufacturers, traders of illicit liquor

Deputy president Prof. Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to traders involved in the manufacturing and sale of illicit and second-generation liquor, saying that the fight will go on relentlessly.

Speaking in Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a County, during a development inspection-oriented tour, Prof. Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against illicit brews.

The DP noted that the illegal trade had continued to rob many young men of their productive years, leaving families and communities to bear the consequences of alcohol abuse.

“There are cartels in this business dealing with illicit brews, which have continued to kill our young men in this region, and we are warning you; we are coming for you before you wipe out an entire generation.

Men have become dysfunctional due to these brews while parents are mourning the loss of their children in their most productive years,” he stated.

Prof. Kindiki further warned that a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews will be undertaken with the government treating the trade as a criminal activity.

“The traders are using harmful and poisonous products and chemicals to make the brews, and the government is treating this as a criminal activity, so be forewarned,” he said.

The DP noted that the government did not have a problem with legally produced alcohol that does not endanger the health of citizens, but those people making and selling poisonous substances in the name of alcohol that make young men end up lying in ditches for two weeks will be dealt with mercilessly.

He also castigated the naysayers who have termed the fight against illicit brews and substance abuse as an exercise in futility.

“Those waiting for me to fail in this cause that I am spearheading must know that I have never relented in any other previous national duty entrusted to me; failure is not an option, as we must and we will win this fight.

As a former interior cabinet secretary who led successful operations against terrorists in Lamu and bandits in Northern Kenya, leaving the regions enjoying lasting peace and normalcy, my focus is now set fully on wiping the menace of prohibited drinks and drugs out of the country,” asserted the DP.

Prof. Kindiki urged politicians to stay away from the fight against illicit brews, as the national government administrative structure was well armed to deal with the menace with the help of the public.

“Mwananchi will help us win this fight by volunteering information on the manufacturers and traders, while the entire multi-agency team will act and ensure the region is safe from adulterated and harmful substances,” he said.

Murang’a County Women’s Representative Betty Maina echoed the same sentiments, lamenting the rising cases of drug abuse and illicit alcohol consumption among the youth.

She urged residents to exercise restraint and prioritize their personal safety. “Be responsible and ensure your safety first by shunning poisonous, adulterated drinks because we are losing many young people to illicit brews,” said Maina.

The women’s rep also reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting the menace in totality. “This area is notorious for illicit alcohol, and it’s also one of the regions that continues to register casualties. To the manufacturers, be warned as we are coming for you,” she reiterated.

Meanwhile, the deputy president has warned leaders against using young people to perpetrate political violence for political mileage.

Instead, he urged those aspiring for elective positions to sell their manifestos and allow Kenyans to make their own informed decisions.

“Politics should not make us put the lives and livelihoods of the people at risk; do not destroy someone’s business or supermarket that has employed hundreds of young people merely because of elections, yet even after the polls life must go on,” he said.

During the development-oriented tour, Prof. Kindiki inspected the ongoing construction of the Jogoo-Kimakia-Kigio-Kirwara road, which has been allocated Sh867 million. He also checked on the progress of the Kaguku-Ithanga ESP market, which is also under construction.

By Florence Kinyua and Bernard Munyao