Eldoret:Over 500 arrested in illicit trade crackdown,rogue officers on notice!
Uasin Gishu County Commander Benjamin Mwanthi
Police in Uasin Gishu county have arrested over 500 people involved In the illegal business of illicit brew among them notorious brewers who have had the longest protection of rogue police officers .
According to the Uasin Gishu county police commander Benjamin Mwathi in the last one week Police have netted and destroyed over 10,000 litres of Chang’aa and 10,000 litres of Kangara as well as over 1100 litres of Busaa..
“We began the operation following an upsurge in the sale of illicit brew within the six sub-counties of Uasin Gishu so far the operation has received tremendous support from the members of the public –the crackdown will intensify in the coming days”Said Mwathi.
The Police boss has confirmed that some of the notorious brewers of the illicit liquor have been brewing Chang’aa within Eldoret Town and in Langas estate as well as Huruma and Kamukunji ,
“Most of the illicit brew has been taking place within town , in some places not more than 150 meters from police stations ,It will not be business as usual”He warned.
The County Commander who was posted barely one month and seven days ago has promised to work closely with chiefs and village elders in stumping out the illicit trade .
Mwathi has already taken action against police officers who have been identified by members of the public to have been colluding with the illicit brewers where they would pocket as much as Sh 5,000.
“The names have been provided to us and action has already been taken. We continue to investigate other implicated in the said illegal business and we assure that action will be taken”He warned.
Some of the arrested brewers have been taken to court and fined over sh3M a figure the commandant says acts as a deterrent to those in the illegal trade.
The operation also targets those selling hard drugs as well as Bars and Wines and spirit’s Joints operating contrary to the law.
“Many have been operating without licenses,we have already taken action ,for the wines and spirits, customers are only allowed to take away the drinks failure to which action has also been taken against some”Added Mwathi.
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