Lagat Orders Crackdown on Illicit Brews, Drugs as Police Intensify Security Operations in North Rift

 By Wasike Elvis

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has called for intensified efforts to eliminate illicit brews, drugs and other forms of criminal activity in Eldoret and the wider North Rift region.

Lagat said the National Police Service (NPS) would work closely with communities, religious leaders and the media to strengthen security, improve information sharing and address emerging criminal activities.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu during the commissioning of the Eldoret Police Mosque, Lagat thanked the Muslim community and other partners for supporting the construction of the facility, saying the initiative demonstrated the importance of police-community partnerships.

He said such partnerships would help reduce suspicion between police officers and members of the public, making it easier for residents to report crimes and share intelligence with security agencies.

“The net effect of this kind of cooperation is the fact that the cohesiveness between us and the community continues to grow stronger,” Lagat said.

The Deputy Inspector General also urged religious leaders, including Muslim and Christian clergy, to play a greater role in promoting peace as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

He said faith-based organisations should provide platforms for peacebuilding and ensure their institutions are not used to propagate hatred or incitement during political campaigns.

Lagat further said the National Police Service was seeking stronger partnerships with religious organisations to address mental health and wellness among police officers and members of the public.

He noted that the Kenya Police Service has a Directorate of Chaplaincy and Counselling which, he said, would work with faith-based organisations to address mental health challenges.

North Rift security

On the security situation in the North Rift, Lagat said the region had recorded significant improvements despite isolated cases of criminal activity.

He said incidents involving firearms had reduced, while security operations had led to the arrest of several suspected criminals.

According to Lagat, crime levels in Uasin Gishu, Nandi and neighbouring areas had generally declined, although police were still pursuing individuals involved in phone snatching, illicit alcohol production and drug-related activities.

He warned people involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit brews, ethanol and bhang that they would face the full force of the law.

Lagat appealed to residents to support police operations by providing information on individuals involved in criminal activities.

He also acknowledged collaboration between the police, NACADA and faith-based organisations in tackling alcohol and drug abuse in the North Rift.

Police welfare and infrastructure

Lagat also addressed concerns over poor social amenities at some police stations, including water and electricity interruptions caused by pending bills.

He said a committee had already been established to address outstanding bills owed to county governments and other service providers.

He disclosed that the government was implementing measures aimed at improving the welfare of police officers, including the construction of boreholes, installation of solar systems and improvement of lighting and water supply at police facilities.

Lagat said the borehole at the Eldoret Police Mosque would also help supplement water needs in the area.

He further revealed that efforts were underway to address the poor condition of some police stations and other police facilities across the country.

According to Lagat, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had established a committee under the Directorate of Administration to ensure police facilities obtain proper documentation and title deeds.

He said having proper ownership documents would make it easier for the National Police Service to partner with other stakeholders and secure funding for the construction and renovation of police stations.

Cattle rustling

On reports of renewed insecurity along the Turkana-West Pokot border, Lagat described the incidents as isolated cases linked largely to resource-based conflicts.

He said drought and competition over resources had contributed to tensions between communities living along the border but warned individuals using the situation to engage in cattle rustling and other criminal activities that they would be dealt with firmly.

Lagat urged communities to work together with security agencies to maintain peace as the country prepares for Mashujaa Day celebrations and the 2027 elections.

He said the police would continue partnering with residents, religious organisations and other stakeholders to ensure Eldoret and the wider North Rift remain peaceful.