Murkomen Pledges Crackdown on Smuggling of Illicit Brews in Siaya
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged a decisive government crackdown on the smuggling of illicit brews and drugs into Siaya County, vowing to dismantle the supply chains fueling addiction and social decay. The CS, speaking during a public engagement, declared that the cross-border trafficking of these substances would be treated as a serious economic and security threat. He specifically instructed security agencies and national government administrators in the region to intensify surveillance on all major and back-road routes used by the smugglers.
Murkomen highlighted the devastating impact of the illicit trade, linking it directly to the rising cases of mental health issues, domestic violence, and a loss of productive workforce in the region. He emphasized that the fight goes beyond just confiscating the brews and aims to target the financiers and distributors operating the sophisticated networks. The new strategy will involve a multi-agency approach, combining efforts from the police, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to intercept vehicles and individuals involved in the trade.
The CS’s announcement has been welcomed by local leaders and residents who have long grappled with the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. Murkomen’s direct intervention signals a heightened focus from the national government on the issue. He warned that those involved in the trade, including corrupt officials who enable it, will face the full force of the law. The success of this pledged crackdown now hinges on its sustained implementation, with the community hoping it will mark a turning point in the fight against the illicit brew menace in Siaya.