About 300 people have been arrested in Machakos County amid the ongoing war against illicit brews in the country.
The arrests were made after a three day crackdown on illicit, second-generation liquor and substance abuse that saw a total of 765 raids conducted in the County.
This raids come days after the Machakos county commissioner and Machakos security agencies seized 850 boxes of second-generation liquor with 24 bottles in each box of 250 ml at Matungulu subcounty.
Speaking to the media at the County Commissioner’s office, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued a warning to manufacturers, transporters, distributors and consumers of illicit liquor, citing that if found in operation severe and harsh action would be taken against them according to the law.
“We are going to use all the resources and security infrastructure Kenya has to arrest, defeat and overcome those that are involved in destroying future generations, by enslaving our children in hard drugs and killer brews,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki speaking to the media said the government has put out a national campaign and security operation ,aimed at reversing challenges brought by distributors of narcotic drugs and illicit brew saying it’s causing an increase of unproductive people and broken families.
In a previous address, the CS for Interior gave a directive that no bars or alcoholic outlets would be allowed to operate beyond the stipulated operation hours.
Kindiki during the same address said those caught defying rules, would be fined or imprisoned, as provided for by the law and all the drinks, and related accessories in the premises confiscated with accompanying license withdrawal.
He revealed that the government is reviewing the security situation in Machakos aimed at ensuring that an operational and strategic operation is put in place. He said that the move will help strengthen security and provide a conducive working environment for residents.
Kindiki also warned politicians from interfering with the operation or even trying to conduct raids saying that it should be left entirely to the responsible agencies to carry it out.