The government has unveiled a toll-free number to be used by Kenyans as part of the broader measures announced Wednesday to help in the fight against illicit brew.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure who spoke after a meeting chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said any cases that work against the campaign should be reported through 1192.
“Community, and neighbourhood committees and the public are invited and required to support this initiative,” Kindiki said.
He stated that this being a national security threat, the obligation of individual citizens to support the course is mandatory for the sake of the nation.
“The duty to protect our nationhood and constitutional order is a duty that binds every state organ, every arm of government and also binds every individual,” he said.
According to the CS, officers will be available at all times to receive complaints and concerns relating to the manufacture, trade, transportation, storage and consumption of illegal alcohol, drugs and other substances.
Kindiki stated that the government is deliberate on ending illicit brew and drugs in the country adding that this is a national security operation that falls entirely within the remits of the law enforcement machinery of the state and its multi-agency collaborators.
He asked political, regional and business leaders to avoid any form of interference in whatever way.
The Interior CS also gave public officers two ultimatums on operating bars as he ordered the officers to immediately shut down such premises or resign from their positions.
This is in line with the Public Ethics Act.
"All public officers in the enforcement/compliance chain (KRA, KEBS, ACA, Public Health, Nacada, NGAO, NPS etc) shall not own and operate a bar directly or via proxy," Kindiki said.
"All public officers currently operating such premises are required to shut them down or resign from the service with immediate effect," he added.
Kindiki added that Cross-referencing of the Public Service Commission, National Police Service Commission and distinct agency staff records shall be undertaken to secure compliance thereof.
Last month, it was announced that National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) as well as police officers will not be allowed to own bars anywhere in the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced on behalf of the President citing what he termed as a clear conflict of interest.
“So I want to announce here on behalf of the president. If you are a police officer and you own a bar. Resign and run the bar. Or stop operating the bar and continue working in the service,” Gachagua said.
