Human Rights Activists Demand Government Crack Down On Politicians Behind Illicit Alcohol and Drug Trade in Uasin Gishu
“Government must move beyond arrests and seizures to dismantle the networks — including political sponsorship — that sustain the illicit alcohol and narcotics trade.”
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of his late father, Alfred Kipkirui Cheptarus. Photos by Kemuma Achieng.
Human rights activists from Eldoret, led by Kimutai Kirui, have urged the government to target influential politicians allegedly behind the rising trade in illicit brew and dangerous drugs in the county. The call came during the burial in Cheptiret of Kirui’s father, the late Alfred Kipkirui Cheptarus, who died after a long illness.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kirui commended security agencies for their recent efforts to combat illegal alcohol and drug operations — but blamed powerful individuals for undermining those efforts. “We appreciate the spirited efforts by security agents to crack down on these deadly businesses,” he said. “However, it is disturbing that influential people continue to demand the transfer of police officers dedicated to fighting illicit alcohol and drugs.”
His remarks were echoed by fellow activist Juma Akumu, who highlighted alarming access to highly addictive drugs among youth in the county. “Many young people in Uasin Gishu can easily access dangerous substances such as heroin,” he said, calling on security agencies to intensify operations and target those importing and distributing the drugs.
Their concerns come amid a renewed crackdown by a multi-agency team led by NACADA, which on Friday night raided several homes in the Munyaka area suspected to be dens for illicit brew production and drug trafficking.
County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi warned that much of the ethanol used in making illicit brew is smuggled in from neighboring countries. “We rely on the community to report suspicious activity,” he said as he urged residents to work with law enforcement.
The Activists called on the government to move beyond arrests and seizures to dismantle the networks — including political sponsorship — that sustain the illicit alcohol and narcotics trade.
Given the growing numbers of raids and seizures in Uasin Gishu, activists argued the time has come for accountability — not only at the streets but also in political corridors.
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