Dozens arrested during illicit brew crackdown in Tharaka

 At least 25 locals from Tharaka South Sub-County of Tharaka Nithi County have been arrested in possession of over 400 litres of illicit brew in the ongoing Rapid Response Initiative (RRI).

This is about a double increase from last year’s recorded cases from the RRI which shows criminal activities are increasing.

According to Tharaka South Sub County Police Commander Kiprop Ruto, apart from alcohol cases, other forms of crimes including obtaining property fraudulently have been on the rise and there is need for residents to be vigilant.

“We are currently investigating a case where two individuals lost about 200 bags of Ndengu (green grams) to fraudsters in unclear dealings. We are therefore appealing to members of public to vigilant when making transactions to avoid losses,’’ Ruto said.

The police boss said there was need for members of public to embrace cash transactions when making deals to avoid falling preys to the marauding fraudsters.

Court cases

Several cases of bhang have also been reported and Ruto said their cases are ongoing in court pending court sentence.

Another group on the security radar is those employing underage school going children where Ruto revealed that they have already nabbed one woman who had employed a school going child.

Ruto said they will intensify with the crackdown to ensure that both the employers and the parents to the employed children below the age of 18 years face the law.

Tharaka South Assistant County Commissioner Mr. Mutahi warned criminals to find other ways of generating income instead of engaging in criminal activities since the security enforcing officers won’t hesitate apprehending them.

He added that even after the RRI is overdue, they will still get on with the crackdown to ensure the community is free from criminals.

Rapid Response Initiative is an exercise that has been ongoing countrywide since September 20 and will be running till October 20 aiming at intensifying activities by security enforcing officers to arrest law breakers.

The arrested residents were locked up at Marimanti police station awaiting being arraigned in court while others struggle to raise court fines after ruling of their cases.

STORY By DENIS MUTUA, EDITED By MUSYOKA NGUI