The Cabinet on March 13, chaired by President William Ruto was informed that since the Interior ministry started implementing measures to fight illicit brews and narcotic drugs various businesses have been closed.
“2,393 non-compliant premises, 359 pharmacies and chemists and 452 Agro-vets have been closed,” read part of the cabinet dispatch.
Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had earlier announced that President William Ruto’s government identified that the rampant trade, consumption, and abuse of illicit alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances is one of the top five threats to the country’s security.
Since the government initiated the crackdown, authorities have carried out 5,835 raids on illegal and narcotic sites, resulting in the confiscation of 289,390 liters of illicit brews and 13,198 liters of counterfeit alcohol.
Additionally, law enforcement has seized seven vessels used for drug trafficking, along with 3,603 rolls of marijuana and 44 stones.
The Cabinet announced its support for the government’s actions in combating illegal brews and narcotic drugs, which includes revoking all bar licenses issued unlawfully by counties.
Some measures involve suspending all 52 licenses and permits granted to manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcohol for 21 days, and conducting an audit to identify any conflicts of interest within enforcement agencies.
The initiative also encompasses nationwide crackdowns on the sale, transportation, distribution, and consumption of illicit brews and drugs.
The Cabinet further resolved that any public officials who resisted these measures will be violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws on conflict of interest.
These include officials in the National Police Service, National Administration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health and public prosecution, among others.
