ELDORET, Uasin Gishu July 24 –In a stern address at the 18th Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Eldoret, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declared a war on drug abuse among the youth, citing the presence of hard drugs such as marijuana and heroin in the county.
To combat this menace, he pledged to collaborate with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), security teams, and sub-county chiefs to eradicate these drugs through coordinated efforts.
Murkomen vowed to work with NACADA, security teams, and sub-county chiefs to conduct coordinated raids, swift prosecutions, and community engagement to get rid of all illicit drugs.
He urged the county security committee to partner with NACADA to identify and destroy illicit grow-ops and unlicensed brews.
Murkomen ordered that businesspeople selling second-generation alcohol be charged under national drug laws, emphasising that those transporting it from neighbouring counties or manufacturing it locally will be held accountable.
Murkomen assured that no police officer will be transferred for carrying out anti-drug operations, and warned that anyone harassing or intimidating officers will face charges.
Murkomen highlighted the need to tackle rising cases of fraud, particularly land scams and mobile money swindles, and urged residents to exercise caution and seek professional advice to avoid falling victim.
He directed the police to deal decisively with crimes related to land occupation and document forgery, emphasising that the government will act firmly on those illegally occupying land or forging documents.
Murkomen encouraged youth to register for national IDs, noting that improved live-capture systems in sub-counties will ensure ID cards are issued within seven days, enabling them to access government services and participate in the next elections.
