Masengeli Commends Central Region Officers for Efforts Against Illicit Brews

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has commended police officers from Kenya’s Central region for their significant efforts in combating the menace of illicit brews. During a meeting held on Friday with commanders from the Kenya Police Service, Administrative Police Service, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Masengeli praised the collaborative efforts of the officers and urged them to maintain their multi-agency teamwork alongside the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to effectively curb the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit alcohol in the region.

The meeting, which was attended by high-ranking security officials including Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, focused on reviewing the current strategies and enhancing operational efficiency. Lagat reiterated his commitment to improving service delivery at police stations, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and dedication in tackling illicit brew-related crimes.

Since March, the government has ramped up its crackdown on illicit brews, an initiative that has seen extensive involvement from various security agencies across the country. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed on August 1 that the police had conducted an impressive 65,488 raids on liquor outlets during this period. These operations have resulted in the arrest of 30,675 individuals by county security teams as part of the enforcement activities. In addition, significant quantities of illicit substances have been seized, including 358,000 litres of chang’aa, 2.7 million litres of kangara, 8,000 litres of ethanol, and 389 shisha bongs.

The crackdown forms part of a broader strategy led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been at the forefront of advocating for stringent measures to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse across the country. Speaking on August 1, Gachagua reaffirmed the government’s commitment to this cause, stating that the fight against illicit brews remains a top priority for the administration. He highlighted the success of the 25 directives announced by the government on March 6, 2024, which aim to curb the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of illicit brews, drugs, and other harmful substances.

“These efforts have been guided by stringent measures adopted in March 2024, and we have made significant gains since their implementation,” Gachagua said. He emphasized the impact of the fresh vetting process of alcohol manufacturers, which has contributed to reducing the prevalence of illicit brews in the market. The Deputy President commended the progress made, noting that the crackdown has yielded positive results without incurring additional costs to the administration.

“It is a huge win for this administration with zero cost. This is a war we cannot relent on because it is good for the country and has been successful,” Gachagua stated, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts in protecting public health and safety.

The ongoing efforts reflect the government’s broader agenda of enhancing security and addressing social issues that affect communities across Kenya. By targeting the root causes of illicit alcohol production and distribution, the administration aims to promote healthier and safer environments for citizens. The multi-agency approach, which brings together various arms of the security sector, has been instrumental in achieving these objectives, and the continued collaboration between the police, NGAO, and other stakeholders is expected to yield even greater results in the coming months.

As the crackdown continues, the government has urged the public to support the initiatives by reporting any suspicious activities related to illicit brews. This partnership between the authorities and the community is seen as vital in ensuring the long-term success of the fight against illicit alcohol and safeguarding the well-being of Kenyans.