Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Murkomen announced a tougher phase in the government’s war on illicit drugs and alcohol, including plans to seize assets and freeze bank accounts of those involved in the trade.
In a statement issued after chairing a multi-agency meeting, Murkomen said the crackdown follows the declaration by President William Ruto that drug and alcohol abuse constitutes a national security emergency.
The CS said the government has recorded progress in reducing incidences of illicit brews and drug abuse in several parts of the country, but emphasized the need to intensify the campaign.
“Our target is the manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of illicit drugs and alcohol. We are moving beyond prosecution to seizing assets and freezing accounts of those found culpable,” he said.
Murkomen warned that government officials found complicit in the trade will face severe consequences, including dismissal from service.
“Police officers, National Government Administrative Officers, and any other civil servant who facilitates, protects, or colludes with drug networks will lose their jobs,” he stated.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to dismantling drug and illicit alcohol cartels, which he said are “stealing the future of our children.”
The meeting brought together top security and regulatory officials, including Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohamed Amin, Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, Kenya Bureau of Standards CEO Esther Ngari, Financial Reporting Centre Director General Naphtaly Rono, and Asset Recovery Agency Acting Director General Mark Ogonji.
Authorities say the renewed strategy will focus on dismantling entire supply chains and financial networks behind illicit alcohol and drug operations.
Officials have been seizing big quantities of alcohol and assorted drugs in operations.
This has seen a number of suspects arrested and charged in courts. The cases are pending in various stages in courts
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