A stern warning has been issued to police officers who take bribes and shield illicit brew dealers in Lugari and Likuyani sub counties. The warning was issued by Likuyani sub county police commander Boniface Lisiolo and his Lugari counterpart Patrick Maundu when they addressed a security baraza in Sango sub location, Likuyani sub county.
The officers were responding to concerns raised by a section of members of the public, who had complained about constant collusion with criminals by some police officers especially with illicit liquor brewers and consumers.
The security official assured members of the public that police department will conduct thorough investigations into the bribery and other related claims attributed to police officers in the area. “I am appealing to the residents, to help identify all police officers who have abdicated their core mandate, which is to maintain law and order, and have instead allowed themselves to be part of perpetrators of insecurity by their alleged involvement in outlawed activities, such as receiving bribes and shielding illicit brew dealers,” said Maundu.
He at the same time warned residents against interrupting the course of justice, for instance by bribing police officers whenever their relatives or friends are apprehended for committing criminal offences. “It takes two or more people to commit a felony that is legally referred to as corruption and the penalty for such is very heavy,” added Maundu.
On his part Lisiolo said it was surprising to see a brewer who earns Kshs. 1000 from illicit brew sell bribing an officer who has a payslip “Then one wonders what does he/she remain with to feed his/her family with,”
Lisiolo advised area residents to apply for loans from government sources and other micro-finance lending institutions and exploit available business opportunities instead of engaging in illicit activities.
Lisiolo observed that though the government had put in place various mechanisms for availing funds to the unemployed such as women enterprise and uwezo funds, it was disheartening to see majority of women and able youth engage in brewing of illicit drinks.
The two police bosses told area residents that they will not relent on the fight against illicit liquor since the government had put in place tough laws against it, adding it was the duty of police department to enforce the same.