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A nationwide crackdown on counterfeit alcoholic drinks and drugs has been launched across the country ahead of the festive season.

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo yesterday said the crackdown was timely as the country traditionally experiences a spike in the consumption of illicit alcohol and drugs during the festive season.

“This crackdown is therefore timely as it mitigates the potential harm wrought on our people by illicit brews and counterfeit alcohol that is mostly traded in non-compliant premises. Through this exercise, we can protect our youth from the devastating effects of alcohol and drug abuse,” he said.

Dr Omollo however emphasized that the crackdown will only target illicit alcohol and drugs while protecting licensed and legitimate businesses trading in alcoholic beverages.

“Government is not against legitimate alcohol business. Licensed trade in legit alcohol is an important economic activity that will be accorded the necessary support and security,” he added.

There has been a proliferation of substandard and counterfeit alcohol and the sale of brands with fake standardization stamps and outlets with deplorable health standards.

The multi-agency exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Service, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Ministry of Health, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the County Governments.

PS Omollo called on country governments to effectively play their Constitutionally-assigned role in liquor licensing and drug control. “Whilst we have seen commitment in several Counties, lax administration of these responsibilities undermines the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol. We will sustain engagements with relevant counties to redress this concern,” he said.

The Inspector General of the Police Japhet Koome has also warned that his officers will adopt a zero-tolerance on drink-driving.

“Those drug barons out there, let them get the message clearly. There will be no negotiations. We are already in festive mode. The festive mode comes with excitement. Drivers tend to drink and drive. We are not going to allow it. For speeding, we will not tolerate it,” Koome said.

Leaked communication

Omollo also allayed fears of a terror attack following a leaked police communication warning that al Shabaab militia were targeting specific locations in Nairobi during this festive season.

“I wouldn’t say there is a threat, as it is for now but like any other festive season, we know ordinarily Kenyans are supposed to be going about their businesses to relax and there is a likelihood that other elements might want to interfere,” the PS said.

He however assured Kenyans that their safety was guaranteed

“When it’s necessary, from time to time, we shall communicate on the challenges we are facing but also on the measures we are taking to ensure that Kenyans are safe,” he said.

The leaked letter read: “There is need for deployment of armed security officers in and around the vulnerable installations, patrols, impromptu roadblocks, and vehicle searches to deter AS from fulfilling its mission.”

IG Koome in a statement to the newsrooms yesterday confirmed the letter was leaked without authority and asked Kenyans to continue with their activities without fear and assured that the country is under strict surveillance by multi-agency teams. “In tandem with the communication procedure within the National Police Service, we wish to clarify that the letter has neither originated from the office of the Inspector General, nor has the undersigned officer received any instructions in accordance with the chain of command, to author or disseminate the letter,” he said.

The police boss added that administrative action has been taken against the author, who has been identified as the Makadara Sub County Commander Timon Odingo.

Security agencies have enhanced operations, especially in the Coastal and North Eastern regions. On Sunday, police in Wajir and Garissa counties arrested six suspected militants separately as they attempted to sneak into the country from Somalia.

The KRA has documented several cases where illegal manufacturers have been packaging substandard alcohol in premium brand bottles complete with KRA excise stamps and even manufacturer and distributor batch numbers even as the latter disowned some of the brands insisting the batch numbers were fake.