Over 20 teenagers arrested in alcohol-filled house parties

Nakuru

Wednesday, December 13, 2023,

KNA Jane Ngugi and Dennis Rasto

More than 20 teenagers have so far been rounded up by police in drug and drink-fueled parties in Nakuru since schools closed in November for the long end-year holidays.

County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara expressed concern that many parents have abdicated their roles and left the responsibility of disciplining their teenagers to teachers when it is the primary responsibility of parents to raise their children by constantly advising and counseling them so that they grow up into morally upright citizens.

Mr Kibaara asked parents and guardians to watch over their children during the current long holiday and safeguard their movement and how they spend time to ensure that they engage in productive activities.

Speaking at Kamukunji Grounds in Nakuru during celebrations to mark the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebrations, the County Commissioner noted that parents and guardians can determine their children's future character by disciplining them when they are young, keeping them occupied, and knowing their company.

"As parents and guardians, you have the responsibility of working around the clock particularly during this long holiday period to shape your children's character," he said.

The administrator has also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities during the long school holidays to avoid their involvement in vices such as peer influence of bad groups’ indulgence in drugs and engaging in risky sexual behavior.

Mr Kibaara said ensuring that teenagers have a structured and supervised environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of unsupervised activities that might lead to crime, sexually transmitted infections, and early pregnancies.

“Teenagers are often influenced by peer pressure. Encourage your child to choose their friends wisely. During the long school break, parents need to establish clear boundaries for their teenagers. This includes curfews, rules regarding parties and gatherings, and communication expectations. Trust your child, but also remind them that these boundaries are set out of concern and love,” stated the administrator.

According to the administrator, cases of early pregnancy, HIV and AIDS infections, drugs, and substance abuse have been on the rise. He blamed it on the failure of the parents and guardians to tame their children in their early stages.

He said parents should be close to their children and talk to them to understand the hurdles they face and guard them, saying it's easy for parents and guardians to discover when their children are engaging in questionable activities if they take time to talk to them.

“During school holidays teenagers often fall into peer pressure and end up getting unwanted pregnancies and abuse of drugs. I urge parents and guardians to monitor their movement and the kind of friends they hang out with. Social media platforms can expose teens to a world of misinformation and peer pressure. Openly discussing the importance of responsible online behavior and monitoring their online presence can help protect teenagers from unwanted advances and unhealthy relationships,” observed Mr. Kibaara.

The County Commissioner also warned liquor outlets in Nakuru to comply with the law, especially during Christmas and New Year festivities.

“As we start the Christmas and New Year festivities, we will not condone abuse of alcohol and noncompliance with relevant legislation. For this reason, security personnel will be out to enforce compliance,” warned Mr Kibaara.

The County Commissioner fired a warning to national government administrators in the region, saying anyone found falling short of expectations in the fight against illicit brew and drugs, will be fired.

He said the government would not relent in the fight against substance abuse, or entertain security officers, chiefs, and their assistants sleeping on the job.

Mr Kibaara declared that the Government was committed to winning the war against illicit brew that is a threat to the development of the area.

He put chiefs, assistant chiefs, and police commanders on the spot, saying they knew the manufacturers and distributors of illicit brew and they would be held responsible if they did not eradicate it.

“It is the government’s position that an assistant chief and illicit brews and bhang cannot coexist in a sub-location. The decision is entirely in the hands of the chief and assistant chiefs to decide who is to give way," he added.

Mr Kibaara said all security personnel, including regular and administration police officers, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and village elders, have been put on high alert to ensure locals celebrate the holidays in a peaceful environment.

He also assured domestic and international tourists who during the festive season normally flock to tourist attractions sites in Naivasha, Gilgil, Nakuru Town, and Rongai among other places of their safety.

“All security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season. Security officers have already begun conducting regular patrols," he said.

Mr. Kibaara further disclosed that gang-prone criminal areas such as Kivumbini, Kaptembwa, Flamingo, Kisulisuli, Kaloleni, Bondeni, and Lake View will be on the police watch list.

He pointed out that security personnel will cover areas targeted by criminals, particularly shopping centres and crowded areas adding that uniformed and plain clothes police officers will carry out patrols.

The county commission further revealed that the police have increased intelligence-led surveillance that has given them a broader view. 

Courtesy; KNA