Ruto says already, they National Police Service has commenced an internal investigation to wipe out rogue police officers compromised by the drug lords/DPPS
MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb 6 – Security officers who drop the ball on the war against drug trafficking and terrorism will be dealt with firmly, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
Ruto told a press conference on Monday that action has already been taken against officers found culpable of cooperating with drug barons, saying the government will spare no efforts in expelling and punishing rogue elements within the police service.
“Officers that have been compromised by the drug barons have been disciplined accordingly,” he said adding that he needed not mention specific actions taken against such officers.
“There’s a lot that is happening around our security teams to ensure that the laxity that has existed in the past is dealt with firmly,” he said to ensure that the twin-war against drug trafficking and terrorism is won.
The battle against the two vices was inseparable since terror operatives got a sizable amount of funding from proceeds of illegal drugs, according to the DP.
“The war on terror and drugs is one,” he said adding,” drug money is being used to finance terrorism and terrorists are facilitating the trade in drugs and therefore it is a twin war that we must win.”
Ruto said individuals trading in narcotics in the country have been put on notice, warning that they have to find alternatives to conduct their unlawful business since the government will not relent on cracking down on drug cartels.
“There’s no option of us contemplating losing this war because it is a war for the future of our country. Those engaging in this business must know the end has come.”
The Deputy President dismissed claims that the war on drugs was politically motivated saying the government has remained steadfast in fighting drug trafficking as witnessed in the past when President Uhuru Kenyatta led the destruction of a drug-laden ship in April 2014.
“This war is going to escalate even more, not because of elections but because it is a justified war,” he cautioned.
Since late January, the Head of State and his deputy have been vocal on waging a war on drug cartels since the deportation of Ibrahim and Akasha – sons of a slain drug baron Ibrahim Akasha alongside two foreigners to the United States where they were charged with drug-related offences.
The senior Akasha was assassinated in the Netherlands in the year 2000.
Although circumstances under which the two Akashas were deported to the US remained initially unclear, the Inspector General of the National Police Service Joseph Boinnet came out on Saturday saying Kenya was involved in the arresting the four.
“Who told you anybody was arrested by foreigners?,” Boinnet in response to questions from the press adding that the Kenya was part an international web of partners contributing to the fight against illegal drug peddling.”
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