Murkomen Calls for Intensified Crackdown on Illegal Brews and Drug Abuse in Trans Nzoia

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in Trans Nzoia County to intensify efforts to eradicate illegal brews and drug abuse, citing the county’s high prevalence of illicit alcohol and narcotics.

Speaking on Sunday at AIC Riwo Church in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County, Murkomen said the continued spread of illegal brews and drugs posed a serious threat to security, public health, and social stability.

“Trans Nzoia is among the counties topping in the prevalence of illegal alcohol and drugs. For Kenya to be secure and peaceful, we must eradicate these vices,” Murkomen said. “We agreed during the Jukwaa la Usalama in Trans Nzoia that the county must be removed from this list.”

The Cabinet Secretary called for coordinated action involving government agencies, the church, parents, and the wider community to effectively tackle the problem. He emphasized that local administrators, particularly Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, play a critical role in enforcing the law and mobilizing communities against the illegal trade.

Murkomen also challenged the church to take a more active role in guiding young people, urging faith institutions to adopt modern and practical approaches that resonate with today’s youth and address emerging social challenges.

“The church has a critical responsibility in shaping the character, values, and moral foundation of our young people,” he said.

In addition, the CS appealed to parents to take full responsibility for parenting, warning against leaving the task entirely to schools.

“Parents must be actively involved in the upbringing of their children. Schools cannot replace the role of parents in instilling discipline and values,” Murkomen said.

The government, he added, remains committed to strengthening community-based interventions and law enforcement efforts to curb drug and alcohol abuse across the country.