Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced a special operation in Tala Town, Machakos County following intelligence reports on the migration of criminals from Nairobi County.
Speaking during a visit to the town, the CS revealed that criminal gangs, that were terrorising Nairobi residents in Eastlands, were fleeing to towns neighbouring Nairobi owing to the intensified security operation.
The CS indicated that the officers in Tala were briefed on the migrations and had already crafted a plan to flush out the criminals.
Further, he explained that their intelligence report on the migration had also been informed by the recent surge of criminal activities in the town of Machakos County.
Additionally, he expressed that the police would be more vigilant to ensure that the gangs do not migrate to other towns before the operation is conducted.
"Law enforcement agencies in Machakos County are directed to roll back the rising cases of drug peddling, sale and consumption of narcotic drugs and shisha, and child pornography in the environs of Tala in Matungulu Sub-County.
"Some of the criminal gangs terrorising the Nairobi Eastlands, according to credible intelligence are using suburbs of Tala Township to plan their crimes and to debrief. The crackdown shall proceed alongside the nationwide programme to rid the country of illicit brews, narcotic drugs and substance abuse," he stated.
On the other hand, the CS maintained that the ongoing operation on drug abuse was bearing fruits with thousands of illegal companies shut down.
Kindiki added that more establishments would be closed in the coming weeks even as police turn their focus on bars operating near schools and residential areas.
"Countrywide, 4,800 alcoholic outlets operating within the prohibited proximity to basic learning institutions have been closed and licenses revoked. Over 9,500 unlicensed alcoholic drinks selling premises have been shut and 12 distilleries of toxic brews destroyed to disable further production.
"All licenses of manufacturers and distillers of second-generation alcoholic drinks remain suspended and production prohibited until the completion of ongoing security and compliance vetting is concluded by the end of this month," he added.
Likewise, Kindiki also called on Kenyans to support the initiative adding that the government operation was aimed at protecting lives.
