KERINGET, Kenya — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the immediate transfer of all police officers stationed at Keringet Police Station in Nakuru County as the government intensifies its crackdown on drug and substance abuse in the area.
Speaking during a public baraza in Keringet on Saturday, Murkomen said officers who have served at the station for extended periods would be redeployed to allow a new team to lead operations against drug trafficking and related crimes.
“All police officers who have been here for a long time will be transferred. Those found to have been involved in alcohol abuse will undergo rehabilitation and appropriate disciplinary action,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary announced that 20 new police officers would be deployed to Keringet to reinforce security operations and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
He also directed the immediate deployment of a special police unit to intensify operations targeting drug traffickers and distributors operating within the area.
“We have agreed that a special team will be deployed here to fight and eradicate drugs decisively,” he said.
To strengthen policing capacity, Murkomen said Keringet Police Station would receive an additional police vehicle within the next two weeks to improve mobility and emergency response.
“Within two weeks, we will bring a new police vehicle here,” he said.
Murkomen warned that the government would relentlessly pursue individuals involved in drug trafficking and cautioned police officers and National Government Administration officials against colluding with criminals.
He said any security personnel found protecting or facilitating illegal activities would face disciplinary and legal action.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed concerns over land-related insecurity, saying the government was working to dismantle criminal gangs involved in land invasions and illegal land grabbing while pursuing a lasting solution to longstanding land disputes in the area.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja endorsed the operation, announcing that the anti-drug crackdown would be personally coordinated by Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi.
“I have directed the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander to lead the operation until we eradicate drugs here,” Kanja said.
The Inspector General further announced that the National Police Service would sustain nationwide operations against organised criminal gangs while strengthening collaboration with local communities to improve security.
Murkomen urged residents to support the campaign by sharing information on drug dealers and other criminal activities, saying lasting success would depend on close cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.