Police in Nandi have impounded a consignment of illicit liquor in a sustained crackdown in Central and Rift Valley regions.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said 344 cartons containing 6,885 bottles of illicit alcohol were netted by a multi-agency team drawn from Nandi East Sub-county on Friday, June 2.
The bottles of suspected second-generation Jambo brand were found at a house belonging to Stephen Kirobi.
The 47-year-old suspect was arrested and is helping police with investigations.
“On June 2, 2023, Nandi East Sub-County multi-agency team netted 344 cartons (6,885 bottles) of suspected second-generation Jambo brand from the house of Stephen Kirobi, 47, who was also arrested during the raid,” NPS said.
“We thank members of the public for their continued support through information sharing.”
The latest comes amid sustained efforts by the government to tackle the growing alcoholism problem in the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has in recent months rallied leaders in North Rift and the Central region to unite in the fight against the alcohol and drug abuse menace pitting the regions.
In his recent tour of Rift Valley, Gachagua said illicit brew is a threat to economic stability.
Speaking in Nakuru on Monday, the country’s second in command asked governors to carry out an audit on the licenses issued to operators in the region to ascertain their status with a view to cutting down on illegal ones.
“In every 10 shops in a small trading centre, seven are bars and restaurants, selling during the day and the night. The governors should work with the members of the national administration to look into the licensing of the bars,” Gachagua said when he presided over a conference on ending alcoholism and drug abuse in the Rift Valley region.
At the same time, the deputy president revealed his history with alcoholism saying being sober has had a positive impact on his life.
Gachagua said he won his battle with alcohol after being born again.
“The President, Kindiki (referring to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki), and the rest of us, none has a problem with alcohol. I must admit I used to drink a lot before I got saved and since I stopped drinking my things have been very good,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua hailed sobriety for his recent achievements in life and urged locals to embrace it.
“…that is how I am deputy president. I invite those who drink to consider dropping it and maybe your things will get better.”
