By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday presided over the 30th Jukwaa la Usalama (Security Forum) in Murang’a County, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat illicit trade and safeguard public health.
The high-level meeting brought together top officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, as part of a multi-agency crackdown on counterfeit alcohol. The forum came shortly after a major operation in Murang’a, where police seized Sh1.4 million worth of fake liquor, underscoring the scale of the problem.
The initiative is aligned with the government’s 100-day Rapid Result Initiative on illicit alcohol, launched in response to rising health concerns. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Public Health in Africa found that counterfeit alcohol often containing toxic methanol accounts for more than half of alcohol-related deaths in East Africa.
In addition to enforcement, the Murang’a event included a town hall style dialogue with residents, signaling a deliberate move toward community engagement. Analysts view this as part of the government’s effort to rebuild public trust following recent protests, including those linked to the Finance Bill 2024, which even triggered UK travel advisories.
By combining enforcement with public dialogue, Murkomen positioned the campaign not only as a security priority but also as a public health emergency, pledging sustained action against counterfeit alcohol across Kenya.
