Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has approved the deportation of 41 foreigners linked to the importation of contraband goods in the country.

Most of those facing deportation were picked up in from various estates within Nairobi County where they have been engaging in illegal trade.

Matiangi's action comes hours after Government spokesperson Eric Kiraithe warned politicians against fanning views that could jeopardise the ongoing war against contraband goods in the country.

This comes in the wake of claims by National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale that he knew the high placed individuals who have been in the business of contraband products.

Sugar barons

Duale also claimed that unscrupulous sugar barons were being protected and that several companies have been given the duty-free status.

The Garissa Town MP criticised Matiang'i's war on contraband, saying authorities were turning the blind eye on the "real culprits".

He claimed he had reliable information that the person behind the imports is also involved in the illegal logging that is wiping out forests.