Security agencies in Msambweni subcounty, Kwale, have launched a crackdown on illegal brews and drugs to curb insecurity in the area.
Recently, residents have decried increased criminal activities as juvenile machete-yielding gangs wreak havoc in the region.
The security agencies have partnered with the Nyumba Kumi officials to identify criminals hiding in local brew dens and houses locally known as Mangwe.
The deputy county commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia said the crackdown aims to bring sanity to the liquor sector since some might be harbouring criminals who later terrorise residents during the night.
"The crackdown is aimed at enhancing security and to ensure the local brew businesses comply with the law," he said.
The local brew (mnazi) was legalised by the Kwale county government.
The move was to enhance revenue collection where the operators are expected to pay license fees of Sh10, 000 annually and conform with other rules and regulations.
Lotiatia said they seek to enforce compliance with the national standards and necessary regulations to eliminate illicit and counterfeit alcoholic drinks, as well as educate the public on the risks of drugs and substance abuse.
The administrator further said through the crackdown the youth can be protected from engaging in criminal gangs and drugs.
Juvenile gangs are believed to be as young as 10-15 years, and are said to be influenced by the effects of drugs.
Last year, the county security team reported a spike in school children using drugs in schools. The children are smoking bhang, sniffing tobacco and chewing muguka.
Muguka, the leaves of Catha edulis, are chewed as stimulants. It is in the same family as Khat (Miraa). However, muguka is cheaper compared to Khat and is commonly abused by youth in Kwale.
Scientists say muguka’s effect on human includes weight loss, decreased sex drive and insomnia, among other long-term effects.
According to the previous report from the Teens Watch Centre, a Kwale-based youth affair organisation, the number of teens abusing muguka in Kwale is high, compared to other drugs in the region.
Lotiatia said the exercise will play a big part in mitigating the potential harm brought by illicit brew and drug abuse on youth and the society.
The administrator said the use of illicit liquor promotes a high rate of crimes that must be contained at all costs.
He said they will be stretching out the crackdown in rural areas, where illicit brew and drugs are mostly traded and criminal gangs have established their hideouts.
The deputy county commissioner said they will also be conducting inspection on unlicensed bars and illegitimate operators.
"We want to see if the liquor businesses are managed legally and follow the required measures," he said.
The administrator warned against punitive actions for those who will be found violating the law. He urged them to remain vigilant on the counterfeit products and report culprits selling illegal brew.
Last month county commissioner Gideon Oyagi assured residents that they are not after the mnazi business but fighting crime.
Oyagi said that the drinking joints will be watched to enforce law and order and prevent drug peddlers from destroying more youth and strengthen peaceful coexistence in the county.
"We are not fighting mnazi, we only want to ensure the law is followed to the letter for our children's safety and Kwale people," he said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)