The Trans Nzoia County Security and Intelligence Committee has declared war on Illicit brews linked to rising cases of insecurity in the Lokodos area, Mlimani location in Cherang’any Constituency.
Speaking at a public baraza held at Lokodos, County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi and the chair of the committee said the crackdown will bring a lasting solution to the business of brewing and selling the illegal brew.
“It will not be business as usual. If you thought this place was inaccessible, then you are wrong. We shall have a mega crackdown so that Illicit brew will be a thing of the past,” Oyagi stated.
The county police boss revealed that school dropout, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, defilement and other social ills are attributed to alcoholism in the area.
“Imagine this retrogressive behaviour has led to poverty in this locality. Our focus now is to ensure that we deal with this menace once and for all so that all our children can go to school and enjoy their right to education,” said the County security boss.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Paul Wambugu and County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Josphat Ndung’u vowed to ensure that illicit brews and other illegal drugs are dealt with.
Impact of alcoholism in Trans Nzoia
On his part, Chepsiro/Kiptoror ward Member of County Assembly Kipchumba Birir expressed his concern that alcoholism poses a serious threat to the human population.
“We need to hold hands so that we slay this deeply rooted menace. If we let it continue, I am worried we may not have generations in the future,” Birir said.
The vocal MCA further said the brew sold to unsuspecting consumers in some joints is pure chemicals with high alcohol content.
“Some of this alcohol is sold in Ksh. 20 sachets and shortly after taking it, you get extremely drunk,” he said.
He called for revocation of all the licenses issued to alcoholic drinks sellers and fresh vetting conducted.
“In Tuigoin centre, we made a declaration that no bars or alcohol joints will be licensed. Now, why should a small centre here have 39 bars?” he asked.
The meeting was attended by Trans Nzoia East Deputy County Commissioner Peter Lokoilereng’, Cherang’any Division Assistant County Commissioner MaryCatherine Kerongo, her Central Division counterpart Beatrice Lukoko, all the chiefs and their assistants from Cherang’any Division, village elders and locals from various villages.
