Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a directive for a comprehensive crackdown on illicit brew across the country, citing the need for a sustained effort to combat the menace.

Speaking in Mwea West sub-County, Kirinyaga, Kindiki emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The operation we are commencing will be permanent, no drop on scaling down. It is not a two months operation as in the past.”

The urgency of the crackdown stems from a recent incident in Kangai area of Mwea West, where 17 lives have been lost due to consumption of poisonous drinks, with others facing blurred vision. Expressing condolences to the affected families, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing alcoholism as a national security threat. He highlighted the need to tackle the sale of illicit substances, equating them to acts of terrorism and banditry.

Furthermore, Kindiki outlined plans for immediate nationwide operations, urging all counties to collaborate in mapping out strategies.

He emphasized the importance of conducting impartial inquiries to hold accountable those responsible for the illicit trade, ensuring that justice prevails without punishing innocent officers. The CS also vowed to personally oversee the progress of the crackdown in the Mount Kenya region, promising unannounced visits to monitor the eradication of illicit brew.