Street beggars and hawkers in Thika are increasingly getting involved in drug peddling, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Jeremiah Gicheru has said.
The DCC said that majority of beggars are being used to sell drugs to the youth and minors within Thika town warning that if found they will be prosecuted. He also warned that if the situation persists, beggars and street families might have to be forced out of the town.
Gicheru who was speaking in Thika town on Sunday said that he has received several complaints from the concerned members of the public. He said he has information on a number of people pretending to be street beggars but are secretly selling drugs.
He said that street vendors who sell snacks have also indulged in the heinous act and advised parents to be observant of snacks their children buy from street vendors saying some might be laced with drugs.
The DCC expressed his concerns with area residents who have been condoning the illegal activity calling upon police officers to be vigilant to stop abuse and circulation of drugs in the area.
"We will soon launch a crackdown from the intelligence we have gathered to apprehend drug pedlars masquerading as genuine traders or beggars. Plans are also underway to rid our streets of beggars to reduce cases of drug abuse which is killing the future generation," he said.