Speaking in Kapsabet Town on Wednesday, Murkomen accused certain government officers of forming illicit ties with traders involved in the distribution of second-generation alcohol and drugs across the North Rift region. “There is an unholy alliance between some of our officers and rogue business people that is fueling this illegal trade. We are going for them,” CS Murkomen stated firmly during the 19th Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement forum in Nandi County.
CS Murkomen announced a targeted crackdown to stamp out second-generation alcohol and narcotics in the region. CS Murkomen said the North Rift has become a primary target due to its youthful population in colleges and villages, which he described as highly vulnerable.
CS Murkomen directed local administrators, including chiefs, assistant chiefs, and police officers, to take clear positions in the war on illicit substances or face disciplinary consequences. “We will repurpose our local administrators to fully understand the consequences of turning a blind eye to these illegal operations. Anyone caught abetting the trade will be held personally responsible,” CS Murkomen said.
During the event, CS Murkomen also announced the upcoming operationalization of six new administrative divisions in Nandi County. CS Murkomen said this move will correct historical delays caused by previous administrations and help enhance local governance and enforcement of law and order.
The Interior CS was welcomed by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and four legislators Julius Melly (Tinderet), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Marianne Kitany (Aldai), and Zipporah Kering (EALA) along with other county leaders. The warning comes amid rising concern over the impact of cheap, unregulated alcohol in rural and peri-urban areas, with local hospitals reporting cases of addiction, blindness, and even deaths linked to toxic brews.
CS Murkomen’s visit to Nandi marks a continuation of the government’s public safety forums aimed at addressing community-level security threats, with illicit alcohol and drug abuse now topping the agenda.
The government has yet to release figures on arrests or seizures related to the current crackdown, but Murkomen assured the public that enforcement measures will intensify in the coming weeks.
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