Over 110 people arrested in fresh crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs in Uasin Gishu county

More than 110 people have been arrested in Uasin Gishu during a fresh crackdown on increased sales of illicit alcohol and drugs.

County commissioner Edisson Nyale and Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said ten suspects were linked to drugs, especially bhang.

Nyale said they had started a fresh crackdown on those involved in the sale of these substances, especially targeting college students.

The crackdown would also target bar operators who displayed alcohol brands on their premises but sold other substances and drugs behind the counter.

“We will cancel the licenses of such bar operators because they are part of the criminal network that is ruining our people,” Nyale said.

Together with the county, they are carrying out bar inspections to ensure that they only sell the drinks on display.

Mwanthi said they had formed a team to work with the county government and other agencies in the renewed crackdown on drugs and illicit alcohol.

He said one of the key dealers involved in the brewing of illicit alcohol in the region was among those arrested and had already been charged in court.

“We will not relent in the crackdown and we have mobilised our officers in all subcounties to ensure the crackdown goes on in all areas,” Mwanthi said.

The crackdown comes after President William Ruto declared war on drugs, proposing the death penalty for hard drug traffickers and introducing stricter laws to combat substance abuse.

Ruto in his New Year message described the crisis as a “national development and security emergency,” affecting over 4.7 million Kenyans, with one in three men and one in five young adults aged 25-35 using drugs or alcohol.

Ruto emphasised the need for collective action, urging families and communities to play a role in prevention.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse also welcomed the President's stance, pledging to support the government's efforts.

Nyale said they would not allow bars or other entertainment joints to operate near schools, colleges, hospitals and other key installations.

“Those still located in areas where the law does not allow will have to be shut down immediately,” he said.