Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has vowed to intensify the government’s fight against illicit alcohol and drugs, saying he will not allow the campaign to fail.
Kindiki said he was approaching the assignment with the same determination he demonstrated while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, when he led government efforts against Al-Shabaab militants in Lamu and North Eastern and banditry in the North Rift.
“Those waiting for me to fail in the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs that I’m spearheading in government should know that I have never failed in any national duty entrusted to me,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President spoke at Kigio in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County on Thursday 8 October 2026, during a development tour of the area.
He said his record in dealing with security threats demonstrated that he takes national responsibilities seriously and would not relent in the latest assignment.
Prof. Kindiki said failure was not an option in the government’s campaign against illicit brews and drugs, which have continued to raise concern in different parts of the country.
He urged those involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit alcohol and narcotics to abandon the trade, warning that the government would continue pursuing the vice.
The second in command remarks come as the government steps up efforts to address the social and economic effects associated with illicit alcohol and drug abuse, particularly among young people.
Prof. Kindiki also used the tour to inspect construction works on the Jogoo Kimakia-Kigio-Kirwara road, where he warned contractors against delaying government projects.
He said he would personally follow up on national government projects to ensure they were completed within the stipulated timelines.
“I will not sit back and watch contractors drag their feet on projects meant to improve the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
The road has previously faced delays, with Parliament raising concerns over the slow progress of the Kirwara-Kigio-Jogoo-Kimakia project.
The DP said the government was implementing development projects worth Sh56 billion in Murang’a County.
The programme includes road construction, 27 markets, nine affordable housing projects and hostels in eight government tertiary institutions alongside the target of 13,000 households in the county for electricity connectivity.
Prof. Kindiki said the projects were part of the government’s wider development agenda aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and enhancing access to essential services.
He said the administration would continue prioritising projects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
Kindiki at the same time challenged leaders and government officials to remain focused on delivering development rather than being distracted by political differences.
His tour brought together a number of senior leaders, including Lands and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and nominated MP Sabina Chege.
The leaders also expressed support for Prof. Kindiki’s role in government and his new assignment in the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs.
They said the campaign required sustained political and administrative support to address the spread of illicit brews and substance abuse.
Prof. Kindiki’s assured residents that the administration would continue monitoring projects and tackling social challenges affecting communities.
He said the government would remain firm in implementing its programmes and would not allow delays, negligence or illicit activities to undermine its agenda.
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