Murkomen warns politicians, officers on drug menace

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to politicians and security officers involved in the abetting of drug and substance abuse, stating they will face the full force of the law.

“Politicians will not be allowed to intimidate officers or harass the police, chiefs and assistant chiefs when suspects are arrested. Officers who get involved with these criminals will also not be spared,” the CS warned on the final day of his Jukwaa la Usalama tour in the Upper Eastern Region of Embu County.

The CS expressed deep concern over the prevalent use of outlawed drugs, the consumption of illicit brews, and adulterated alcohol in the area.

He announced that a crackdown has been initiated against individuals cultivating cannabis in Mt Kenya Forest.

Murkomen highlighted that the drug menace affects Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties.

“Illicit brew, second-generation alcohol and drug abuse is a matter of concern in this region. We are working closely with Kenya Wildlife Service in the three counties to apprehend the criminals growing cannabis in the forest and they will be dealt with accordingly,” said the CS, noting a disturbing rise in suicide cases linked to substance abuse.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing multi-agency operation would eliminate outlawed drugs from the region and urged the community to cooperate with security officers in eradicating those involved in the distribution of adulterated alcohol.

“So far, we have arrested some suspects, especially distributors and retailers. Security officers alone cannot succeed. The cooperation of the local community is paramount,“ Murkomen urged.

The CS was responding to concerns voiced by officers who expressed frustration over political interference in the fight against drug abuse.

Reports from the three counties revealed that some locals have resorted to using animal feeds to brew alcohol, which the CS warned is harmful to consumers.

NACADA has also issued a warning regarding the illegal use of animal feeds, commonly known as Nguzo, in alcohol production.