Murkomen warns against politicising the fight against drug abuse

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned politicians against interfering with the fight against drug abuse especially in the Mt Kenya region.

In his last day of the 'Jukwaa la Usalama' tour of the Upper Eastern Region in Embu County on Friday, the CS cautioned local politicians against interference when suspects are apprehended.

"Politicians will not be allowed to intimidate officers by lodging complaints, calls or harassing the police, chiefs and assistant chiefs when suspects are arrested. Officers who get involved with these criminals will also not be spared," Mr Murkomen warned.

The CS expressed concern at the level of use of prohibited drugs, and consumption of illicit brews and adulterated alcohol.

He announced that a crackdown had been launched against suspects growing  Canabis Sativa in Mt Kenya forest.

Mr Murkomen said the drugs menace is a crosscutting matter in Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties.

"Illicit brews, second generation alcohol, and drug abuse is a matter of concern in this region. We're working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service in the three(3) counties to apprehend the criminals growing Cannabis sativa in the forest and they will be dealt with accordingly,” said the CS.

Increased cases of death by suicide in the region has been linked to drug abuse, he said.

Mr Murkomen said the operation will be conducted jointly with other government institutions in order to rid the area of the prohibited drugs.

He called on the community to cooperate with the security officers to flush out those dealing in adulterated alcohol.

“We've arrested some suspects especially distributors and retailers. Security officers alone cannot succeed, but there's need to leverage on the cooperation of the local community," he said.

The CS was responding to concerns raised by officers who registered their frustrations over political interference in the fight against drug abuse.

Across the three(3) counties, it emerged that some locals had resorted to use of animal feeds to brew alcohol, which is very harmful to the consumers.

NACADA has sounded a warning over the illegal use of the animal feeds, popularly known as nguzo.

Other issues of concern raised during the meeting included increased cases of murder due to land disputes and accidents caused by speeding miraa vehicles.

The CS said his Ministry was looking into the issues in order to come up with people-led solutions.