Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a tough warning to politicians, business interests and government officials seeking to interfere with the government’s zero-tolerance campaign against illicit alcohol and drugs, declaring that the operation will proceed regardless of the consequences.
Kindiki said the government was moving to a new phase of covert, intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting networks involved in illicit alcohol, adulterated drinks and substance abuse.
Speaking at his Karen Residence in Nairobi, Kindiki said previous efforts had suffered setbacks after the campaign was politicised and became entangled in business competition.
He said the government would now keep politics completely out of the initiative, which he described as a national security and economic welfare matter. “The war against illicit alcoholic drinks, substance abuse, adulterated alcoholic drinks, this war is not political. There is zero politics involved.”
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Kindiki said the government would bring together national and county governments, industry players, business owners and local communities under a multi-sectoral zero-tolerance framework.
The Deputy President further said county governments would play a prominent role because of their responsibilities in devolved trade, licensing and regulation.
The Interior Ministry and the Council of Governors chair of the relevant committee will convene a sector forum, after which the Deputy President said he would convene a special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council meeting to address the issue.
The government is also expanding the capacity of security and regulatory agencies involved in the campaign. He commended NACADA, the police and the newly established Anti-Narcotics Unit, which currently has 200 officers, noting that the government intends to increase the unit’s strength to 700 officers, with training already underway.
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Kindiki warned enforcement officers against compromising the campaign, saying officials who facilitate the manufacture or sale of dangerous products by failing to act would face the law.
The government will also strengthen community participation in intelligence gathering, with local residents expected to help authorities identify individuals violating regulations and endangering public safety.
He highlighted that the government would tighten controls on imported ethanol, including duty arrangements, illegal imports and the diversion of industrial ethanol into the alcoholic drinks market.
Kindiki said future operations would be covert and intelligence-led, signalling a shift from previous approaches, describing illicit alcohol and drugs as a serious national security threat that is also undermining economic productivity and public health.
The Deputy President said protecting business interests or political sentiments would no longer be allowed to weaken government action.
“If to preserve the nation, certain business interests will be hurt, so be it,” Kindiki said, insisting that political considerations must remain outside the campaign.
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