Gov't to work with religious leaders in fight against alcoholism - DP Gachagua

The government will involve the church and religious leaders in the ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drug abuse, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.

Gachagua, speaking on Thursday in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, during the funeral Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk's father Joseph Mwangi Muiga, stated that the task requires concerted effort.

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

He said the government will kick off the engagement with religious leaders on their involvement in the war against the illicit alcohol menace, drugs and substance abuse.

"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 that the havoc caused by illicit brews and drug abuse is borne by families whose loved ones have suffered illnesses, reduced income and family breakages.

The Deputy President 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.

He asked Governor Sakaja to continue working with all leaders for development of the capital city.

"The Mt. Kenya people voted for you to a man. Work with them and protect their businesses. If there are any changes engage the people before effecting the changes. Mt Kenya people are dependable, cultivate good relationship with them and be with them. They are not complicated," he told the Governor.

MPs Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Njuguna Kiaraho (Ol Kalou), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), Amos Mwago (Starehe), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete) and Phelix Jalang'o (Lang'ata), among other leaders were also present.

The leaders praised the Deputy President for leading the war on the illegal brews, the reforms in the agricultural sector and for uniting Mt. Kenya leaders.

"Though I belong to the Jubilee Party, I support your efforts in uniting Mt. Kenya region. We must have a unity of purpose so that we can develop. We are happy with your work," said Starehe MP Amos Mwago.

The Deputy President conveyed President Ruto's condolences to the family and eulogised the deceased 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.