30,675 arrested in war on illicit brews by end of June - State

The government has affirmed its commitment to eradicate illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

Various agencies have noted they will not relent in the war against illicit brews and drug abuse and vowed to protect the gains made so far.

This is even as the Interior PS Raymond Omollo disclosed that police have conducted 65,488 raids on liquor outlets since March.

Omollo said County Security teams had arrested 30,675 people during raids and enforcement activities as of June 30.

According to the PS, 358,000 litres of chang'aa, 2.7 million litres of kangara, 8,000 litres of ethanol and 389 shisha bongs have also been seized.

This was revealed during a high-level multi-agency meeting hosted by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his official residence in Karen on Thursday.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board disclosed that 408 premises had been inspected, 150 shut and 325 cartons of medicines seized.

Prosecution of nine people is ongoing for non-adherence to good pharmaceutical practices, it disclosed.

It added that it has closed 150 premises and seized 325 cartons of medicines.

The agency said it is also developing guidelines on enhancement of fines and forfeiture of confiscated medicines by the courts.

Gachagua said the efforts to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse are guided by stringent measures adopted in March 2024.

The DP said the government will not relent in its resolve to suppress the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit brews.

He said the 25 stringent directives announced by the government on March 6, 2024 to curb illicit brew, drug, and substance abuse in the country have been effective.

He said the country has registered gains after fresh vetting of the alcohol manufacturers.

"It is a huge win for this administration with zero cost. This is a war we cannot relent because it is good for the country and has been successful," Gachagua said.

The meeting on implementation of government directives on eradication of illicit alcohol, drugs and substance abuse was also attended by Health PS Harry Kimtai.

Gachagua called on agencies tasked with the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse to take responsibility and stamp out the menace.

He asked the security officers to enhance surveillance at border points to avert entry of contraband goods such as illegal ethanol used in the manufacture of second generation alcohol.

"The measures have been effective. Families have been restored and we are getting back our country to sobriety," he said.

Also present during the meeting were top officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority and regulatory bodies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Representatives from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Anti-Counterfeit Authority and Office of the Attorney-General were also in attendance.