CS Kindiki warns officers involved in illicit brew crackdown against harassing legitimate traders

Speaking during a conference on taming drug abuse in Nakuru on Monday, CS Kindiki warned that officers assigned to the exercise should not harass licensed traders.

He warned that appropriate action shall be taken on those found to have breached the directive. 

"I want to direct all officers involved in this crackdown not to use the excuse of this fight to harass intimidate, extort money from legitimate traders and business people who are engaged in the alcohol business," he said.

He added: "Any trader who is selling products which are licensed and have been approved by government agencies should not be harassed simply because of this crackdown."

"Any officer who veers away from the very deliberate efforts of claiming this country from dangerous substances, that officers should be on their own and we will take action without any further reference."

The Interior CS further stated that he has already received harassment reports on licensed traders, urging officers to strictly operate within the provided guidelines.

"This crackdown is on illicit alcohol laced with poisonous substances which is breaking our families and affecting the growth of the economy," he said.

Kindiki flanked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has been championing the combating of illicit brew trade in the country.

DP Gachagua has in his past addresses ordered county administrators to take a hands-on approach in combating the misuse of drugs and alcohol in their respective regions.

He has likewise threatened strict government action on county administrators found aiding and abetting drug peddlers.