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I've put leaders on notice! DP says on fight against drugs, alcohol abuse

Gachagua says government has made strides in fighting drugs and illicit brew

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by JAMES MBAKA

News17 July 2024 - 13:18

In Summary


  • Gachagua called on religious organisations to join in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.
  • The DP said that the Church should play a central role in mentoring, counselling and rehabilitating those who are addicted.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated his stance on the fight against drug abuse and illicit brew saying anyone who attempts to obstruct it will be publicly shamed.

Gachagua said the war must continue uninterrupted so that the young generation can be saved.

"As a truthful leader I said I have put leaders on notice, anybody who tries to interfere with it we shall call you by name so that the people of Kenya can shame you," he said.

Gachagua said as a government they cannot allow the reintroduction of “poison” disguised as alcohol to kill Kenyan children.

"As a government, we want to tell the merchants of deaths, those who thrive on making a profit by manufacturing, distilling and distributing poison disguised as alcohol, your days are numbered," he said.

The DP said that since they assumed office with President William Ruto, they have made great strides in fighting drug and alcohol abuse.

"We have been dealing with that problem where our children were sleeping in trenches and we could not get young men to work when there was labour. You could only find young girls and women. We were losing an entire generation," the DP added.

The DP spoke on Wednesday during the burial ceremony of Bishop Allan Kiuna of the Jubilee Christian Church in Thindugua, Kiambu County.

He said the war against illicit brew must proceed uninterrupted to save Kenyans.

Gachagua called on religious organisations to join in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.

The DP said that the Church should play a central role in mentoring, counselling and rehabilitating those who are addicted.

Gachagua said the move will help save the next generation to be productive for the economy's growth and development of the country.

On Sunday, July 7, Gachagua cautioned National Government Administration Officers against sabotaging and politicising the fight on sale and consumption of illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse.

Gachagua said the move amounts to undermining President William Ruto and Kenyans.

He urged the officers not to reopen illegal bars that were closed down for violating Alcoholic Drinks and Control Regulations.

In March, the Cabinet ratified enforcement measures to tackle the problem of illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

Illegal liquor joints and alcohol manufacturers were closed down following a cabinet resolution.

"I sat with President William Ruto (On the issue of illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse) and we agreed there was a problem. He told me to lead the war against illicit brews and drug abuse; among the regions widely affected was Mount Kenya," the DP said.

"Some bars have been reopened. No decision has been made by the Cabinet to stop the war against illicit or allow the illegal liquor joints to reopen. Anybody stopping or undermining the fight is setting the President and the Government against the people of Kenya".


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