Deputy President (DP) Mr Rigathi Gachagua has come out strongly to rebuke the high level of alcoholism in Central Kenya.
Mr Gachagua was speaking at Ihura stadium, in Murang’a County, while attending a bursary issuance event sponsored by the County governor Irungu Kang’ata, where the DP donated Sh1 million to go towards supporting orphans. The leader expressed his greatest concern on how young men have indulged in alcoholism, thus robbing them of youthhood and strength.
Alcoholism in Central Kenya has been a thorn in the flesh of many leaders from the region, making it be a priority for anyone elected in office. However, their efforts to fight the vice has always hit a brick wall.
The trend in Central Kenya is so dire that some people have even turned their homes into bars. The DP further warned administrators against allowing illicit brews to be consumed in their areas, saying that those who fail to tame the vice will have to face him.
“We have a problem as a community. I have to say this because you know I always speak the truth. Our people will be destroyed by alcohol while we sit back and watch. We will not allow a situation where our children are destroyed by illicit brews when there are police officers and administrators.” Mr Gachagua lamented.
Other speakers in the event echoed what the DP said on the alcoholism in Central Kenya, affirming that there is a serious need for a concerted war against the illicit brew in the region. Murang’a County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo raised similar concerns, saying that youthful men and women have been overindulging in alcohol.
“We have done a lot of work to fight illicit brews, the challenge is the substandard alcohol that is certified by the relevant government agents. That has made the fight very difficult.”
The County, he said, has over 2,200 licensed bars – saying he has liaised with governor Irungu Kangata to have licenses that allow outlets to operate for 24 hours be revoked.
