Nelson Marwa: Rogue police officers in Mombasa working with drug peddlers

Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa and his Police Counterpart Francis Wanjohi address the Press in Mombasa yesterday. [PHOTO BY MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

MOMBASA: Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa has accused a section of police officers of working with drug barons to frustrate the Government's efforts to fight the illicit trade.

Addressing the media at the County headquarters in Mombasa yesterday, Marwa said the rogue officers, who are supposed to fight the menace, have refused to arrest one drugs peddler in Kwale County. He claimed the officer have often been seen with the suspect.

"The man is seen taking lunch with police officers. What kind of lunch is that?" said Marwa. "No force will undermine the Government's quest to fight drugs. We will not allow a few officers to spoil the name of diligent officers in the National Police Service."

He also accused the police of arresting and releasing another notorious suspect in Likoni popularly known as Shwasi.

The Mombasa County commissioner called on concerted efforts from security forces, parents, political and religious leaders in the fight against the vice in the region. "I want to see demonstrations of parents condemning drugs and giving names of individuals involved in the wicked trade," said Marwa.

The administrator also said intelligence reports had indicated a sharp increase in trafficking of bhang and heroine, and attributed the increase of crime levels and violent gangs to drug abuse among the teenagers.

He noted that security agencies are investigating containers suspected to be carrying drugs. He, however, declined to give details.

Marwa hit out at political leaders, who he claims are giving drugs to youths to unleash violence on their rivals ahead of 2017 General Election.

Regional Police Commander Wanjohi Mwangi said asuspect identified as Tom Mboya alias Njiru was arrested on April 20 on the Mariakani-Mombasa Road in Kilifi County with 400 kilogrammes of drugs concealed in six gunny bags in the boot of private car.

"When stopped by police, the suspect tried to drive away but police gave chase and arrested him. The suspect was alone and was not armed," said Mr Mwangi.