The government has spelt out measures to alleviate the problem of second-generation alcoholic drinks with chiefs in Marsabit County being ordered to ensure areas under their jurisdiction are free of the menace.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich also directed security agencies to decisively deal with the drug and human traffickers in the porous border with a neighboring country.
Rotich who spoke after chairing a day long security meeting for national government administrative officers (NGAO) and other security enforcement agencies at Jirme hotel said the government was committed at safeguarding the health of Kenyans and asked deputy county commissioners to hold chiefs and their assistants to account for presence of drugs peddling and brewing of illicit alcoholic drinks.
“It is the duty of the government to protect the well-being of its citizens and that is why we must all play our roles as expected,” he said and asked law enforcement agencies to work as a team in order to make the fight against the vices seamless.
The regional commissioner added that the government wants the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to be meaningful otherwise drugs and illicit alcohol would negate the intended gains.
On drugs and human trafficking, he promised enhanced fight through security patrols and mobile roadblocks.
He cautioned of severe punishment against culprits and warned security officers against complacency following the arrest and prosecution of two police officers.
Rotich also appealed to local communities to be vigilant and help the authorities in curbing the menace by volunteering information of suspects.
On general security, the regional commissioner said the recent recruitment and training of 140 national police reservists (NPR) would go a long way in helping contain cattle rustling and highway banditry.
He said the reservists who underwent vetting through public participation would be subject to monitoring and supervision from the local police stations while their operations will be an agenda at every sub-county security committee meeting.
This, Rotich said will make sure the reservists who have been issued with government firearms were operating within the set-up parameters and mandate.
The meeting that was attended by both regional and county intelligence and security teams was informed that there were plans to increase the number of NPRs to an optimal number which the regional commissioner said will be done in a transparent manner.
Also present was Regional Police Commander Joseph Napeiyan and his DCI counterpart Benson Kasyoki, Marsabit County Commissioner Nobert Komora.
By Sebastian Miriti
