Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to government officers who collude with rogue business people to facilitate the sale and distribution of second-generation alcohol and illicit drugs. Speaking in Kapsabet Town during the 19th edition of Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement in Nandi County, the CS announced a renewed crackdown targeting the North Rift region.
Kindiki lamented the existence of an “unholy alliance” between some local administrators and unscrupulous traders, saying this was undermining national efforts to eradicate harmful substances. “An unholy alliance between some of our officers and rogue business people is abetting the sale of illicit drugs and we are going for them,” he declared.
He revealed that the region, particularly Nandi County, has become a target for alcohol and drug peddlers due to its youthful population, especially students in colleges and rural villages. To counter this threat, the Interior Ministry plans to intensify enforcement and accountability measures.
“We will repurpose our Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and police officers to understand the consequences they will face if found condoning the sale and distribution of these harmful substances,” said Kindiki.
In addition to the anti-drug efforts, the CS announced that Nandi County would soon benefit from administrative upgrades. He revealed that six new divisions will be operationalised in the county, a move intended to strengthen local governance and service delivery. Kindiki noted that Nandi had been sidelined by previous administrations during the rollout of administrative units.
The CS was warmly received by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and several elected leaders, including Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit, Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, and East African Legislative Assembly representative Zipporah Kering, among other local leaders.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forum is part of a broader national campaign to engage communities in matters of public safety and security, with a strong focus on curbing alcohol and drug abuse, which continues to threaten the wellbeing of many Kenyan youth.
