Government officers abetting sale of harmful alcohol to face dire consequences, Kindiki warns

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has instructed officials battling illicit alcohol to uphold the law without bias, warning against complacency and concessions. He cautioned that those identified as aiding production, distribution, or sale of harmful drinks across Kenya will face the full weight of the law. Speaking at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, on Wednesday, Kindiki convened a follow-up meeting with security agency representatives and heads of regulatory and enforcement bodies to evaluate the implementation of directives aimed at curbing illicit drinks.

Expressing gratitude for their current efforts, he urged intensified action, particularly after the establishment of a multi-agency team to expand the fight against these drinks nationwide. Kindiki commended law enforcement and regulatory agencies for their endeavors thus far, undertaken in a collaborative multi-agency approach since President mandated heightened responses to this issue.

The DP pledged to convene a bi-weekly Multi-Sectoral High Level Team meeting, comprising stakeholders including industry and community representatives, to oversee enforcement, uncover criminal elements, and facilitate alcoholics and addicts' rehabilitation. He emphasized the critical role of community involvement in exposing cartels behind the illicit liquor trade, pledging to optimize this collaboration in future.

Kindiki announced forthcoming legislative measures to tighten ethanol importation and sale regulations, citing the need for enhanced control over ethanol and action against illegal importation or industrial ethanol diversion. He also cautioned politicians against politicizing the implementation of stringent measures, emphasizing that this is a matter of national security and economic welfare, vowing to keep politics out of the fight.