Narok security team seeks a strategy to fight illicit brew

The security committee in Narok County has organized a three days' seminar with key stakeholders to deliberate on measures to fight illicit brew in the county.Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia, said the decision was arrived at following increasing number of crimes that is influenced by irresponsible drinking.He underscored that the security committee was concerned that many families were breaking up, children defiled and others murdered in cold blood because of illicit brew.'It is only yesterday that a woman was murdered by his husband who was drunk. These incidents can be avoided if we come together and reason out on how we can curb such crimes,' he said.Also brought on board in the discussions were the Maa Council of elders, chiefs, nyumba kumi representatives, religious leaders, media, women groups, youth groups, civil society and business community.Commissioner Lotiatia expressed optimism that the meeting will come out with a strategy to curb drunkardness in the society saying the vice is increasing every day.'It saddens me to see young children drinking alcohol. We came to bring our heads together so that we can see how we can raise responsible children in our society,' reiterated the commissioner.The commissioner observed that every week, tens of people were arrested in drinking dens and arraigned in court of law.'I believe arresting and putting these people in prison is not solving the problem because many of those arrested are the bread winners in their families,' he said.He reiterated that premises selling alcohol should not be near schools, churches, residential areas and government offices, saying businesses that flaunt the rules will be shut down and owners arrested.Maasai Council of Elders chairman Kelena Ole Nchoe said many families are breaking up and children dropping out of school because of alcohol hence promised to join hands to fight all forms of illicit brew in the county.'We want to leave behind a responsible citizen who can drive this nation to higher levels. We will continue collaborating with the county commissioner's office fight the menace,' he said.The stakeholders planted over 100 trees seedlings at the Administration police quarters to mark the event.Source: Kenya News Agency