An assistant chief from Athi River sub-county on Wednesday appeared before a sub-county intelligence committee for allegedly compromising the war against illicit liquor.
The 59-year-old John Matheka of Ngelani sub location was grilled by the committee after being ordered by the area deputy county commissioner Albert Kimathi to appear before the committee and show cause why disciplinary action could not be taken against him.
“It has come out that the chief and one of the administration police officers attached to Katani AP camp have been jeopardizing the fight against illicit liquor in the area. The Mlolongo assistant county commissioner Kennedy Keraro forwarded me copy of the show cause letter that he had written to the chief, I approved it and summoned the chief to appear before the sub county’s intelligence committee today,” Kimathi told this writer at his office in Athi River town shortly after the grilling.
The letter seen by this writer reads in part, “As you are aware the government has zero tolerance for the brewing, selling and consumption of illicit brews and second generation alcohols, you are also aware that the government is currently undertaking a crackdown against the said beverage, on April 14, 2016 we conducted a successful raid for illicit brews in your sub location, in the public meeting you were accused of not only colluding with those engaged in the illegal activities but that you also partake of the same alcohol in your house which is within close proximity to your office," the letter read.
"You were further accused of escalating drink related offenses when they are reported in your office siding with drunkards who happen to be your friends. Another allegation leveled against you is that you harass those who tend to criticize you in public. After I gave you very strict warnings to desist from such behavior, I have reliable information that you went ahead to harass and intimidate those who reported your unbecoming behavior. In fact, one of the ladies has been chased away from her home,” it read.
Kimathi said it is a shame for the chief who is remaining with only one year to retire and the AP to be part of the cartels which promote illicit liquor trade in the sub-county instead of helping the government in eradicating the crime.
He said the chief’s job was at stake and dependent on the committee’s report after he appears before it.
Kimathi said he had raised concern with the area AP commander Stephen Matu to take disciplinary action for the administration police who had been mentioned by the public alongside the assistant chief.
He did not give details of what transpired in the chief’s grilling.
Kimathi warned that his office will not bend law to any provincial administrator who fails to abide by his performance contract and the law in the sub-county.