Government steps up war against illicit brew

Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mwangi Kiunjuri has reiterated that the government will not relent in the war against the manufacturing of illicit liquor and second generation alcohol.

The CS said that the government will wage war on the underground business, even if it meant firing police administrators who are complicit in the hazardous trade.

“The government is committed to ending the business once and for all. Those selling raw materials for making these brews will also be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

He further encouraged members of the public to continue volunteering information to administrators on the people involved in the illegal trade.

His sentiments come in the wake of heightened operations against illicit brew – an effort spearheaded by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho. In this second phase of the crackdown, several chiefs and their assistants from Mt. Kenyan region have been fired.

Kibicho’s sentiments were also echoed by Laikipia County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mariru who assured that the government was committed in ensuring that the vice was eradicated in the country.

“It is high time that Kenyans rise up in order to tackle the menace that has continued to consume the lives of young people,” he said.

In the recent months the fight against illicit brew has heightened in Kenya.

Last week, Laikipia County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mariru announced that the county plans to introduce a Ksh10 million fine on anyone found manufacturing illicit liquor in the county.