Murkomen orders 3-week crackdown on illicit brews in Keringet, warns brewers of arrests
By Emmanuel Rono, July 25, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a three-week security operation targeting illicit alcohol and drug trafficking in Keringet, Nakuru County, as part of a renewed government campaign against the illegal trafficking.
Speaking during a public baraza on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Keringet, Murkomen said he has agreed with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to deploy a special team of officers from Nairobi to lead the operation.
“We have agreed with the Inspector General that a special team of police officers will be deployed from Nairobi to stay here for three weeks and fight illicit alcohol. Once they complete the operation, they will be replaced by another fresh team,” Murkomen said.
Sweeping changes in local officers
The CS directed the team to eliminate all forms of illegal alcohol, including chang’aa, sachet liquor and cannabis, saying the operation would continue until the vice is rooted out.
He also announced sweeping changes within the local police service, accusing some officers of failing to enforce the law because of their involvement with alcohol.
“All officers who have stayed here for a long time and have been drinking instead of working will be taken for rehabilitation. Twenty new officers will be deployed here, and the Inspector General will implement the changes within the next two weeks,” he said.
Murkomen further pledged to strengthen security operations by providing an additional police vehicle to the area.
He said the OCPD’s office would receive a new vehicle within two weeks to complement the existing vehicle used by the local police station, improving law enforcement and response to crime.
Warning to brewers
The CS also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in brewing and selling illicit alcohol, mentioning several suspected operators by name.
During the baraza, residents named more than 10 villagers who are actively brewing the local alcohol under the watch of the local officers.
“I want to tell all those brewing illicit alcohol that today is your last day in that business. Starting tomorrow, any police officer on duty who finds you continuing with the trade should arrest you immediately and take you to court,” Murkomen declared.