At least 400 homes in Lugari Sub-county are involved in the trade of illicit brews, chang’aa being one of them, and other drugs, according to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Moses Gicharu, who is also the sub-county police boss.
The DCC said bodaboda riders are largely involved in peddling illicit brews and drugs and perpetrating other illegal activities, especially at night.
This was during his first baraza with the local security team and residents of Lugari on Thursday at Lugari Station Market since his posting.
The senior security officer admitted how hard it is to fight crime without the cooperation of locals, who he vehemently accused of conspiring with criminals instead of helping in their arrest.
He gave a case of defilement cases which he said are common among the family members in the sub-county but prosecutions are not completed because witnesses are not ready to give vital information.
The sub-county boss said he will be moving to all locations to mobilize locals to work with the security team and help end criminal activities.
Gicharu’s sentiments were echoed by OCS Job Kipchumba from Turbo Police Station who represented Lugari Sub-county Police Commander, Bernad Ngungu.
“We are aware that you boda boda riders are also involved in the movement of illicit brew or drugs, especially during the night time,” Kipchumba said, noting an incident where a boda boda rider robbed a Lugari Kenya Medical Training College student at night in Lugari forest but locals failed to cooperate to bring him to book.
Jogoo Wangatia, the Sub-County Director of Criminal Investigation, also urged residents not to conceal criminals and assured them that government security agencies are there to protect them always.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.