- He added that they are not fighting anyone but only trying to save generations.
- The DP further stated that the crackdown including the enforcement of to the new orders will continue as planned.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to soldier on with the fight against the illicit brew menace in the country regardless of the consequences that might come with it.
Speaking during a church service at PCEA Gateway in Roysambu, Nairobi, Gachagua revealed that some individuals are selling him fears asking him to go slow on the crackdown as he risks losing the seat.
But, according to the DP, he was ready to pay the price noting he is not going to be deterred.
“Mimi sikuzaliwa kawa hii kiti ya deputy president. Nimepata tu juzi, miaka hii ingine yote nimekuwa tu nakula, nakunywa na naendelea na mambo yangu. Sio lazima nikae hapo milele," he said.
"Kama hii kiti ya itapotea kwa sababu nimesema watoto wetu wasiuziwe sumu niko tayari."
(I was not born with the Deputy President seat, I have lived all these years without the seat. If I will lose my seat because I am against selling our youths poison, I am ready)
He added that they are not fighting anyone but only trying to save generations.
The DP further stated that the crackdown including the enforcement of to the new orders will continue as planned.
“There is no pride in leading a drunken nation, we want to lead a productive people,” he added.
His remarks come hot on the heels of the government's new directives aimed at eradicating illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse in the country.
This follows a meeting convened by Gachagua, which brought together all regional and County National Government Administration Officers and Security Teams, including County Police Commanders from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
This was after 20 people died from the consumption of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga.
According to Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the use of illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse majorly among teenagers, the youth and even the elderly, is now not only a grave social concern but also a threat to the wellbeing and sustainable future of the country.
The measures include fresh vetting of all existing valid licenses within twenty-one days (21) days, with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of fresh approval.
"Fresh license applications shall require manufacturers to have Quality Control (QC) laboratories installed with Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector," Kindiki said.
"All alcohol manufacturers shall establish and document all traders in their distribution chain and have procedures for ensuring full traceability from the factory to the consumer of alcoholic products manufactured for sale."