Police officer dedicates life to rescue drug addicts

Kenya Police Service Sergeant Moses Kimenchu. He has a Head of State Commendation for his war against Drug and Alcohol abuse. [Standard]

Police Sergeant Moses Kimenchu is well known in the informal settlements of Meru for his bravery and dedication in the war against drug abuse and illicit alcohol.

Although Kimenchu is now posted in Murang'a County, many young people in Meru say they owe their lives to him after he rescued them from the grip of bhang and illicit brew.

He led several operations in which bhang worth millions of shillings was netted in the informal settlements of Meru town and several notorious suppliers arrested.

The officer, who has earned himself the name 'Sergeant Saviour, started his campaign against drugs when he was a shoe-shiner in 2011. He hails from Kirigichia village in Mukothima, Tharaka Nithi County.

“I had seen what bhang was doing to my fellow youth in the village. I was just moving around and talking to the youth because I wanted to make a difference and offer leadership,” he says.

In recognition of this work, Kimenchu was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) this year, in addition to an award he had received from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

He also received the Extra Mile Award from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The father of two has a bachelors degree in human resource management and higher diploma in counselling.

“My anti-drugs and alcohol abuse campaign targets all groups, and especially the youth. Addiction affects the individual, family, friends and the whole country,” he says.

Kimenchu says when he is not on duty as a police officer, he takes his sensitisation campaigns to the estates and other social places.

He partners with a network of organisations to ensure the affected get help. He says he has the option of arresting the culprits but empathises with them.

"I can arrest but I also recognise they have a problem and need assistance. I usually communicate with the authorities and try to get the addicts to a rehabilitation centre. The task is difficult. I use my counselling skills and empathy,” Kimenchu says.

“Those who recover fully become productive in the society but, unfortunately, some can relapse.”

Kimenchu says he was also a victim, as his grandmother used to brew alcohol.

“I drank alcohol from when I was seven years old when living with my grandmother. I was used as a tester until I was 24 years old. It affected me and I gained courage and passion to do something about it,” he says.