DIG Eliud Lagat speaking at the Eldoret Police Station on October 3rd 2026
Deputy Inspector General of police Eliud Lagat has expressed concern over increased abuse of drugs and alcohol in counties in the North Rift.
The DIG warned police would carry out a crackdown on those involved in the illicit business.
Lagat said the drugs and illicit alcohol were a threat to the lives of many people in the region, especially the youth.
He has called for collaborative efforts between National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), faith-based organisations and security agencies to tackle the menace, which affects mostly Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet, among other areas.
“This is a challenge we really have to work together as security agencies to deal with. Let those engaging in the business of drugs and illicit alcohol quit and do something better,” Lagat said.
He made the remarks at the Eldoret Central police station where he presided over the opening of a mosque and a borehole to serve police officers and the neighbouring community.
The DIG said although general crime had gone down in most parts of the region, the police service was still working to deal with elements perpetrating illicit drugs and alcohol along with banditry.
“I call upon the community to join us in dealing with the insecurity challenges in our region, especially as concerns drugs and alcohol abuse,” Lagat said.
He said Eldoret was also extensively affected by the problem of illicit brews and that the police service would not tolerate those messing up with the lives of young people.
“We will firmly deal with those engaging in criminal activities in this town, including the illicit alcohol,” said Lagat, who was with the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samwel Ndanyi.
Lagat said security agencies are also working to deal with resurgent cases of banditry attacks, especially along the border between West Pokot and Turkana.
He said the partnership between the NPS and the religious groups was important to help in tackling insecurity among other problems in society.
“The net effect of our collaboration is that the cohesiveness between us grows stronger and helps to remove suspicion, enabling the community to easily report crime,” Lagat said.
He said the NPS had a fully-fledged directorate of chaplaincy to help deal with issues to do with mental health, which are prominent within the community and the police service.
Lagat said the government was also dealing with issues to do with the welfare of police officers so that they work in a comfortable environment as they serve Kenyans.
He said Eldoret was set to host the Mashujaa Day celebrations and security had been heightened in the region.
“We will work together to ensure the event will be successful, beautiful and a true reflection of the warmth of the people of this region,” the DIG said.
