Murkomen flags security lapses in fight against counterfeit alcohol

The government has pledged to intensify its crackdown on illicit brew and counterfeit alcohol, with Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowing that the fight will not relent.

Murkomen directed National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and the National Police Service (NPS) to launch immediate operations targeting illegal brew dens and apprehend perpetrators.

He also flagged the illegal use of counterfeit stamps from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to endorse adulterated alcohol.

“These issues are being dealt with, and the regional and county security teams are on high alert,” said the CS.

Speaking during the Lower Eastern Region edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Machakos, Murkomen said illicit brew and fake alcohol remained a cross-cutting menace that must be urgently addressed.

He announced that tougher regulations were underway to stem the sector’s devastating effects.

Public engagements during the tour revealed deep frustrations among locals, with some accusing security officers of collusion with rogue traders.

In Machakos and Makueni counties, residents called on assistant chiefs and chiefs to act firmly against known brewers who continue to operate with impunity.

Murkomen, presiding over the town hall meeting at the Machakos County Commissioner’s residence, emphasised the need for an open and candid conversation on security and service delivery issues.

He was joined by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, her Deputy Francis Mwangangi, Internal Security PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya, Members of the County Assembly, and senior ministry officials.

Locals also urged the government to adopt a multi-agency approach to arrest those behind the distribution of adulterated alcohol.