Skip to main content

Trans Nzoia Tops in Drug Abuse and Hooliganism, Interior CS Murkomen Warns

Trans Nzoia County has been flagged as a hotspot for increasing cases of hooliganism, alcohol, and drug abuse in the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in the county, Murkomen painted a worrying picture of a region grappling with rising insecurity and criminal behaviour fueled by compromised law enforcement officers and politically linked gangs.

"Trans Nzoia’s proximity to Uganda has made it a conduit for smuggling of alcohol and hard drugs. The influx of adulterated liquor and narcotics from across the border is alarming," said Murkomen.

The Interior CS accused a section of police officers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) of turning a blind eye to illicit activities in exchange for bribes, contributing significantly to the growing menace.

Murkomen further linked the drug and alcohol problem to the emergence of organized criminal gangs, some of which he claimed are financed and protected by politicians for personal or political gain.

"The proliferation of illegal substances has directly contributed to the growth of dangerous criminal groups in this region. We cannot allow politics to protect criminality," he asserted.

To address the situation, the CS announced the immediate deployment of a special police unit from Vigilance House to launch a sting operation targeting the smuggling networks and dealers of illicit alcohol.

"The crackdown will be swift and uncompromising. All outlets selling adulterated alcohol and those involved in smuggling activities will be shut down, and suspects prosecuted," Murkomen warned.

On the escalating hooliganism, Murkomen ordered the county security team to hold accountable any politicians found sponsoring or sheltering such activities.

"Political leaders must stop funding chaos. The security agencies have been instructed to identify and engage those behind the violence and unrest," he directed.

The CS concluded by calling on the community and religious leaders to support government efforts in restoring law and order in the region. 

He reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the youth from the devastating effects of drugs and criminal exploitation.

Labels:

POPULAR

Health Workers in Trans Nzoia Work in Fear Amid Rising Attacks While on Duty

Health workers in Trans Nzoia County are operating under heightened fear following a rise in attacks against them while on duty. The cacus of healthcare workers unions in Trans Nzoia, representing 17 different professional health worker cadres, expressed growing concerns about their safety, as incidents of violence and intimidation continue to increase in healthcare facilities. They highlighted a recent disturbing event in Sifatinga, where a clinical officer was assaulted. This incident is part of a broader trend, with four active cases of violence against health workers currently under investigation. “Health workers are increasingly facing danger simply by doing their jobs. The fear and insecurity among our members are palpable. This has to stop,” said Edward Cheruyiot, Secretary of the Nurses Union in Trans Nzoia. Cheruyiot said that in addition to the physical threats, health workers are also grappling with emotional and psychological stress due to these recurring attack...
Read more

Luhya Elders Rally Behind Dr. Wamalwa’s 2027 Bid for Trans Nzoia Governor

Elders from the Luhya community in Trans Nzoia County have thrown their support behind former Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa’s gubernatorial bid, stating that he possesses the leadership qualities needed to spur economic growth and promote unity within the county. The elders, who held a consultative meeting with Dr. Wamalwa at his Kiminini home, said he is ready to take over the county’s leadership, noting that his ten-year track record as a Member of Parliament was remarkable. “We have given our blessings to Dr. Wamalwa as he crisscrosses the county to seek support from other communities since Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan,” said Mr. Christopher Makokha, the chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders in the county. The elders explained that they have already settled on its preferred flag bearer for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that any other candidate seeking their endorsement is too late, as they do not permit double endorsements. “We are putting an end to the habit of eld...
Read more

Nursing Services Paralyzed in Trans Nzoia as Nurses Down Tools

Nursing services in public health facilities across Trans Nzoia County have been severely disrupted due to a strike by nurses. The strike was triggered by the county government's failure to address several key issues raised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the union representing healthcare workers. KNUNM Trans Nzoia Secretary, Edward Cheruiyot, stated that despite mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour, which appointed a conciliator, no resolution had been reached. “The union has done its part, but the government has failed to avert the strike. The conciliator was appointed, but no meetings have taken place, and no progress has been made,” Cheruiyot said. At the core of the strike are several unresolved issues. One of the primary concerns is the failure to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025-2029 period. "Negotiations for the CBA have stalled. The government promised to form a committee to address the matter, ...
Read more