A government official from Murang’a County has urged members of the public to take part in the ongoing fight against narcotic substances, substandard and illicit brews.
Kimorori Assistant County Commissioner Julius Kambi has noted the war will be successful if residents will help security officers to know those behind manufacturing and selling of narcotics and illicit alcoholic drinks.
He noted that in Murang’a, a multi-agency team led by the county commissioner and police county commander has managed to nab bars operators and individuals behind the illegal businesses.
Some of those arrested, Kambi said have been charged before court with some being fined and others sentenced.
“We urged local residents to tip off the authorities with information which could be useful to help in raiding dens where the brews are prepared and being sold,” urged Kambi.
He continued: “Few weeks ago a woman from the Kagaa area was fined Sh. 200,000 by Kenol court for the offense of selling chang’aa. Other three women who were found guilty of peddling bhang were fined over Sh. 3 million. This proves the fight is really successful. There are more suspects with pending cases before court.”
Kambi further observed that the national government in conjunction with Murang’a administration have plans to assist those who have been addicted to alcoholism.
“We have a plan underway for those addicted, a direction from the interior Cabinet Secretary requires us to give a list of the addicts so that they will get all the necessary assistance from the experts such as counseling and therapy sessions as well as rehabilitation which I believe will positively help the addicts and the community at large,” he said.
The fight on illicit brews has been ongoing for many years but it has recently taken a new angle as a result of the mounting pressure by the national government.
In Murang’a, more than 40 percent of bars have been closed down after they were found contravening liquor licensing laws.
Some of the affected bars are located less than 300 meters from schools with others found operating without required documents.
By Beatrice Muchoki and Bernard Munyao
