Police in Kirinyaga county have raised alarm over the growing trade and consumption of illicit alcohol, calling for concerted efforts among stakeholders to address the menace.
Speaking in Gichugu, County Police Commander Anderson Njagi warned that increased alcohol consumption threatens the future of young people, particularly young men, who he said are severely affected.
Njagi said concerns raised by mothers over the impact of illicit brews on their sons should serve as a wake-up call to the community, warning that failure to address the problem could rob the county of its youthful generation.
“I am pleading with all of us, from elders to youth, to work together to strengthen this illicit liquor war because if we partner, we will win over it,” he said.
The commander also expressed concern over the growing variety of illicit alcoholic drinks entering the county, describing Kirinyaga as the “headquarters of illicit brew.”
“I don’t know where the rain started beating us because Kirinyaga seems to be the headquarters of poisonous liquor bearing various names with a list to no end,” he said.
Njagi lamented that the number of illicit liquor brands continued to grow despite Kirinyaga having a relatively small population compared to other counties, some of which have fewer brands despite their larger populations.
“In Kirinyaga, we have about 600,000 residents, yet we have more brands of illicit brew than some counties with populations of over two million, which have only two or very few brands,” he said.
He also warned police officers colluding with illicit alcohol dealers that their days were numbered, urging members of the public to report any officers suspected of facilitating the illegal trade.
Njagi assured residents that his office was open to receiving such complaints and pledged to take action against officers found compromising the fight against illicit alcohol.
“If you know my officers are compromising with this brew, my door is open. Come and tell me, and we will fight it day and night. We are not going to relent,” he said.
Her remarks were echoed by County Administration Police Commander Gladys Kosgey, who called for cooperation between communities and security agencies to dismantle the illicit alcohol trade.
She said the fight against illicit brews would help safeguard the next generation and give young people a chance to build a purposeful future.
Kosgey also urged parents to closely monitor their children during ongoing long school holiday, noting that they bear the greatest responsibility of ensuring their safety and guiding their use of free time.
“It is your responsibility to take care of your children, monitor them and know where they are at all times,” she said.
She cautioned parents against allowing children to venture into rivers without adult supervision, singling out River Thiba as a potential danger.
Kosgey urged parents not to let their children roam freely during the holiday but instead guide them, involve them in age-appropriate household chores and encourage constructive activities to keep them occupied.
