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On 14th April 2023, deputy president Rigathi Gachagua declared that victims will go unpunished in the war against drug abuse in the Mt. Kenya region.
Gachagua was speaking during a concerted multistakeholder forum in Nyeri to discuss status and strategies of ending illicit brew and substance abuse.
The meeting brought together top politicians from Mt. Kenya region.
Also representatives from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) were in attendance.
The illicit brews have demolished the family structure. It is evident. For instance, the number of children joining early childhood education has declined.”
The DP Gachagua said.
We shall not rest untill we decisively deal with alcohol and substance to save our youth, to save our family, and bring back our dignity, we can’t let this continue further. That is why the candid discussion today is key towards a lasting solution.”
Gachagua added.
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The deputy president further claimed that the force of the government will be felt in the entire region on the fight against drug abuse.
Those who produce illicit alcohol that destroys future generations are worse than murderers. The force of government will be felt in this region and the rest of the country from next week. It is either drug and alcohol abuse or you the security agents that leave the region.”
Gachagua said.
He also said that President William Ruto has directed government officials to support efforts in drug abuse eradication in the country.
The president has given me clear instructions. He said I must tell you that anyone who stands between the government and him when dealing with this menace must give away.”
Gachagua added.
Read: Gachagua’s liquor threats: You don’t govern by flourishing your fly-whisk
President Ruto recently warned government officers, police, and other leaders who have been promoting the consumption of illicit liquor.
One way of undermining the president is being in cahoots with people selling drugs and alcohol that are killing our people. The other way is collecting commissions from the drug and alcohol sellers. The president asked me to tell you that it will never happen and we must respect our oath of office. We can not be part of the criminal syndicate that is selling illicit liquor and drugs to children. This forum should be a defining moment.”
Rigathi Gachagua remarked.
Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki was also in attendance of the forum. He emphasized that drug abuse and use of alcohol will be dealt with on the same scale as terrorism and banditry.
After terrorism and banditry, is trade, use and abuse of illicit alcohol as well as psychotropic substances and drugs. This is a problem that is likely to impair Kenya’s future in a big way if it’s dealt with. Having profiled the problem of illicit alcohol and drug abuse among the top three national threats, we will deal with it with the same vigor, focus, commitment and finality as w have invested in dealing with terrorism and banditry.”
The CS said.
The National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, during the forum, accused foreigners residing in Ruaka of polluting the town with drugs.
“Ruaka is today worse than Mombasa city in terms of hard drugs. All manner of nationalities, from Western Africa now reside in Ruaka vending drugs and using very innocent young people and mothers carrying babies and diapers back their back in variety hard drugs.”
Said the Kikuyu member of parliament.
There is a lady who moves from Kawangware to Thogoto carrying a baby on her back and a diaper carrying a bag. The residents, the chief and the police know the lady but she is untouchable…that is the story in every village of our region.”
Remarked Ichung’wah.
According to a NACADA report, Kiambu ranks top in portable consumption with 4.1%, followed by Coast with 3.2%, Rift valley (3.1)% and Nairobi (2.9%).
