Murkomen vows sweeping purge of officers linked to illicit alcohol trade
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared an uncompromising crackdown on security officers colluding with illegal alcohol networks, warning that both rogue officers and members of the local community abetting the trade will face firm disciplinary measures.
Speaking in Kiambu on Monday, August 18, 2025, Murkomen said that officers who have overstayed in one location and become entangled in illicit businesses would be rooted out and punished.
You might also like
He noted that familiarity with the environment had led some officers to compromise their service, effectively becoming part of the very cartels they were meant to dismantle.
“We will be going to the local community to ensure we take very firm decisions against the officers and the locality, and disciplinary measures will be instituted against them. Officers who have stayed in Kiambu for far too long, became familiar with the environment and have become part and parcel of this business will also be dealt with,” he said.
Murkomen revealed that he had instructed the Deputy Inspector General of Police to enforce regular transfers to prevent officers from settling too deeply into local communities where they risk being compromised.
He stressed that a strict system of reward and punishment would follow, with exemplary officers recognised and those performing poorly facing action.
“I have told the Deputy Inspector General of Police that regular transfers must be conducted to ensure that no officer becomes so familiar with their local environment that they are compromised in terms of service delivery. Reward and punishment must follow: those who do a good job will be recognised, while those who perform poorly will face consequences,” he added.
Licensing
The Cabinet Secretary further expressed concern over the unchecked licensing of bars and outlets selling wines and spirits.
He said that many establishments registered as restaurants were in fact operating as bars around the clock, supplying spirits linked to the proliferation of second-generation alcohol.
He accused county governments of misusing licensing powers, issuing permits indiscriminately and contributing to the mushrooming of bars across small towns and centres.
“We are very concerned that there is a wanton misuse of these county licences to give licences to every Tom, Dick and Harry in every corner of small centres and towns. It is a matter that, in more populated counties like Kiambu and Nairobi, we really have to focus on, particularly through the Council of Governors,” he said.
Murkomen said that the Interior Ministry would intensify its collaboration with county governments to tighten the regulatory framework for licensing and ensure compliance with operational guidelines.
He underscored that the fight against illicit brews remains a priority for the government, particularly in Central Kenya where the surge of drinking establishments has become a deep social concern.
“This is particularly concerning in more populated counties like Kiambu and Nairobi, and it is an issue we must address in collaboration with the Council of Governors.”
He added that consultations with other counties, including Murang’a, would be held in the coming days to develop joint proposals to curb the spread of illicit alcohol and protect communities from the devastating consequences of unregulated consumption.
“We will be taking proposals from this county and others, including during tomorrow’s visit to Murang’a. In Central Kenya, the biggest concern is the sheer number of bars and restaurants, particularly bars, that are operating freely and contributing to the problem,” Murkomen said.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
View all posts by Steve Ireri
