Murkomen criticizes church leaders for silence amid backlash over NACADA's alcohol policy

On July 30, 2025, NACADA proposed measures that targeted aggressive marketing strategies that normalise alcohol use.

Some of these proposals include raising the legal age for drinking from 18 to 21, banning public figures from endorsing alcohol, and prohibiting advertising of alcohol in youth-related events, including those held in schools, universities, and at sports, arts, or entertainment competitions.

Others include banning advertising via audio-visual platforms during watershed hours and outlawing price promotions such as free samples, discounts, or prize-based competitions. 

Speaking in Kajiado on Friday, Murkomen questioned why the church leaders did not voice their opinion or support the government's cause to protect children from engaging in drug and substance abuse. 

He also faulted gospel musician Dr. Reuben Kigame for remaining silent on the issue, accusing him of launching a personal attack by filing a petition at the High Court seeking permission to privately prosecute him and other senior officials over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests.

"Tulienda kuzindua policy ya NACADA..sasa mimi nimewekwa headline wakisema serikali inataka kuharibu nchi. Wale watu wanajiita wa Kanisa, hakuna hata moja alinitetea," he said. 

"Na ni watu wa kanisa. Niliona mzee moja wa kanisa, kitu cha kwanza alitaka Kipchumba ashtakiwe na hakusema hata kitu moja ya hii mambo ya pombe. Mnataka pombe itembee kila mahali?"

The CS also dismissed critics who claim the policy would harm the economy, arguing that such concerns are driven by companies looking to exploit the youth for profit.

"Wengine walisema faida itashuka chini na wakadai uchumi utaenda chini tukipandisha kiwango iwe miaka 21, kuna mtu kichwa yake ni kizuri akisema watoto wa miaka 18-20 wakunywe pombe?" he posed.

"These companies are not ashamed that they want to make a profit from children aged 18-20, tunasema wangoje wafike miaka 21 ndo wakunywe," the CS added.