Kabarnet came alive with celebrations on Sunday as hundreds of mothers gathered to honor Officer in Charge Shamza Abedi for her unwavering fight against second-generation alcohol and drug abuse that had devastated families and turned many youths into ‘zombies.’
For years, families in Kabarnet had endured pain as illicit alcohol and drug abuse destroyed the lives of husbands, sons, and young people. Many men reportedly spent days in drinking dens, failed to return home after drinking sprees, and abandoned their responsibilities, leaving families broken and hopeless. Mothers had suffered through years of tears and frustration as addiction robbed the community of productive youth and stable homes.
The situation had reached a critical point where women frequently organized demonstrations in Kabarnet town, demanding urgent government intervention to curb the spread of illicit brews and drugs. The notorious street commonly referred to as ‘Zombie Street’ had become the epicenter of alcohol and substance abuse, where addicts spent most of their days in intoxication.
Hope began to emerge one year ago when OCS Shamza Abedi was posted to Kabarnet Police Station. Upon arrival, she launched a determined crackdown on illicit alcohol dens, drug peddlers, and criminal networks operating within the town. Through coordinated police operations and sustained enforcement, she managed to clean up areas that many previous officers had allegedly failed to control.
Her efforts quickly earned admiration from residents, especially mothers who had witnessed their families suffer under the grip of addiction. According to many locals, the transformation in the town has been remarkable, with reduced cases of open drug abuse and many men gradually returning to their families and responsibilities.
Led by women leader Caren Kipngok, hundreds of mothers gathered at Kabarnet Police Station to celebrate the officer for what they described as ‘restoring dignity to families.’ The women sang songs of appreciation, danced, and escorted the OCS in a colorful procession to recognize her commitment and courage.
Caren Kipngok said the community had suffered immensely before Shamza’s arrival, noting that many men and youths had completely lost direction due to alcohol addiction. Some men would disappear from their homes for days while young people wasted away in drugs and alcohol. Families were collapsing and mothers had lost hope. Since Madam Shamza came to Kabarnet, many homes have been restored and men are now returning home early unlike before,’ she said.
In a rare show of appreciation, the mothers laid down lesos on the ground to create a symbolic red carpet for the OCS as they celebrated her achievements. The emotional ceremony reflected the gratitude of women who said they had silently suffered for years while watching addiction consume their loved ones.
Businesswoman Janet Cheburet said many young marriages had broken apart because men neglected their responsibilities due to excessive drinking and drug abuse. Women were suffering in silence. Some men had completely failed in their conjugal and family duties because of alcohol. But today, we are witnessing the change we prayed for.
Because of her strong leadership and fearless approach in fighting illicit brews, residents have now nicknamed Shamza Abedi ‘Madam Suluhu,’ comparing her determination and leadership style to that of strong female leaders admired across the region.
Veronica Kipsang, who represented women of faith during the celebrations, described the OCS as a beacon of hope to women who had cried in silence for years. She became the voice and protector of mothers who had almost given up. What she has done in one year is something many thought impossible,’ she said.
For the better part of the day, Kabarnet Police Station transformed into a center of celebration, laughter, and thanksgivinga sharp contrast to its traditional image as a place associated with crime and punishment. Mothers, youth, religious leaders, and local residents united in appreciating an officer they say has helped rescue a generation from the destructive grip of illicit alcohol and drugs.
Residents expressed hope that the fight against second-generation alcohol and substance abuse would continue so that the gains already achieved in Kabarnet are protected for future generations.