Security officers operating within Kibingoti area in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County have been criticized by residents for relenting on the war against drug abuse within the area.
Residents claim that the police have concentrated so much on dealing with Covid-19 containment measures while ignoring the bhang issue.
The rate at which this illegal trade has thrived within the region has raised suspicion amongst members of the public, on the government’s effort in the war against drug abuse in the country.
“They would rather arrest a person who’s not wearing a mask instead of the peddlers,” a resident told K24 Digital.
Residents allege that even if the peddlers are arrested, they always bribe their way out.
“The fact that this business is being carried out in broad daylight and in the eyes of security officers raises concerns,” another resident said.
Residents further allege that the bhang business has attracted even children under the age of 10.
They say they have held several meetings with security officials in an attempt to fight the vice, to no avail.
“There was a time we held a meeting with local leaders who assured us to take action, but nothing has changed,” a resident said.
However, Kirinyaga West Sub-county police commander Martha Ng’etich has urged residents to provide more information on the same, so that the law can take its course.
“We have arrested several suspects in the recent past, in relation to bhang peddling and most of them have already been arraigned and paid fines. So I would like to request the public to give us more information in order to help us curb this vice,” Martha told K24 Digital.
“It should be a joint effort between the police and the public,” she added.
