Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday announced an emergency meeting with Mt Kenya chiefs and their assistants to discuss and devise strategies to combat the pervasive issue of illicit brews and drug abuse in the region.

Promising to unveil new interventions in a week as part of the ongoing efforts to address the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse, Gachagua announced the new tough measures after a high-level meeting with key officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Treasury’s Njuguna Ndung’u, and Susan Nakhumicha (Health).

He underscored the commitment of President William Ruto’s administration to root out the menace.

“The Government will not allow Merchants of Death to continue with the illegal business of illicit brew, drugs and other substances,” he said during the engagement at his Karen residence.

The Attorney General, Justin Muturi, was also in attendance alongside a host of other senior officials, including Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Public Health counterpart Mary Muthoni, Treasury’s Chris Kiptoo, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Solicitor General Shadrack Mose.

Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome, Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General (Administration Police) Service Noor Gabow, Acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Paul Ndemo, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga and NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa, graced the occasion.

Other officials present included Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)Director Quality Assurance and Inspection, Dr Geoffrey Muriira among others.

On February 16, the government announced a nationwide crackdown on illicit brew sellers following the tragic deaths of 23 individuals in Kirinyaga who consumed illicit brew earlier this month.