Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe's Statement on War Against Contraband Sugar

The government of Kenya on Wednesday ordered politicians to offer up any information they may have on smugglers to the relevant authorities.

Addressing the press, Spokesman Eric Kiraithe further warned the leaders not to politicise the war against contraband sugar and counterfeit items the government has begun.

"We will not condone sideshows. If any politician has information about smugglers, they should bring it forth," he stated while on assignment in Mombasa.

Kiraithe further stated that the government is focussed on protecting citizens with the tough crackdown and it would not relent in its efforts.

[caption caption="Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe giving address in Mombasa on June 20, 2018"][/caption]

"One thing we would want to reiterate is that the smuggled sugar, which has been contaminated with elements that can cause cancer or any other diseases, does not choose religion, race, tribe or political affiliation. Therefore, we are not going to relent on this war.

"The investigating agencies are doing their work well with huge support from a majority of Kenya. Let us now concentrate on the needs of Kenya as President Uhuru Kenyatta has said," he reiterated.

He attributed the massive seizure of contaminated sugar over the past weeks to keen collaborative and investigative efforts carried out by security officials.

"Criminals work in very many ways. However, due to the high level of intelligence-led policing that we have been able to make these recoveries and we believe we shall be able to make many more," he assured.

The spokesman assured the public that the government would hold any compromised officials accountable at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

In a notice published on all local dailies on Wednesday, KRA warned importers, exporters and clearing and forwarding agents that entire consignments would be destroyed by the government if found to have counterfeit or concealed goods.

[caption caption="Impounded container filled with counterfeit goods after being seized at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot"][/caption]