Gov’t to involve religious leaders in alcoholism, drug abuse fight

Speaking on Thursday in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, Gachagua underscored the need for concerted efforts to end the illicit alcohol and drug abuse menace.

The Deputy President also appealed to families not to hide their alcohol-addicted kin adding that the multi-agency crackdown will be intensified.

“We need you and your participation, the government cannot win this war alone. Soon we will start engagements with spiritual leaders to deliberate on how we can win the war. The role of the Church is key to sanity of this nation,” he told the Clergy.

He stated that illegal alcoholic drinks, drugs and substance abuse posed a serious problem with overwhelming effects on the social and economic development of the nation.

“Almost every family is affected by alcoholism and has suffered the brunt of the menace. We urge families to speak out,” said the DP.

“We have agreed with President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki that the government has to save the country from destruction by illegal alcohol drinks and drugs. The stringent measures deployed by the government in the crackdown are to restore building of the economy and save generation,” he added.

The Deputy President conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the family and eulogised Mr Muiga as an industrious hardworking man.

“Losing a parent is not an easy thing. We feel your pain and we pray to God to comfort you. Muiga was an industrious man, who supported others and assisted other people to rise in business and built a good family foundation,” he said.

Gachagua was joined by over 50 political leaders including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, area MP John Kaguchia, Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinaniri, Senators Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Eddy Oketch (Migori) and Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi ), Jubilee Party Leader Sabina Chege and EALA member Kanini Kega among others.