US police arrive for probe on narcotics
US ambassador Michael Ranneberger is escorted after signing a Sh7.2 million grant for promoting democratic activities among the youth on Wednesday. With him is the executive director of the Kenya Community Support Centre, Ms Phyllis Mwema. . Photo/LABAN WALLOGA
American anti-narcotics police are in the country to assist Kenyan investigators unravel drug trafficking networks in the country and get those behind the illicit trade.
US ambassador Michael Rannenberger revealed this on Wednesday, saying the American team would join forces with the Kenyan investigators to carrying out comprehensive investigations to help in bringing the culprits to book.
He said those who have been named in connection with drug trafficking in the country should not consider themselves off the hook as ‘investigations were still ongoing and would take several months.”
Mr Ranneberger was answering questions from journalists at Kisimani in Mombasa shortly after signing a grant of $90,000 (Sh7.2 million) which the US government donated to Kenya Community Support Centre for democratic activities among the youth.
The envoy is on a four-day tour of counties at the Coast for a series of events which include launching various youth projects under the ‘Yes Youth Can’ initiative.
Meanwhile, Mr Ranneberger said the US would help Kenya combat radicalism among youth in the wake of influences from the Somali islamist group Al-Shabaab.
The diplomat said Somali islamists had infiltrated Kenya and were influencing local youths into radicalism a matter which could interfere with peace initiatives.
He added that the US and Kenya were trying to broker peace in war-torn Somalia to avert a spill-over of chaos in Northern Kenya.
Kenya Community Support Centre executive director Phyllis Muema thanked the US government for the donation saying the funds would assist in empowering the youths and women in the area.
