No relenting in war against illicit brew, DP Gachagua assures Kenyans

The government will not relent in the ongoing nationwide fight on illicit liquor manufacturers, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said on Saturday, as he asked the multi-agency security team to tighten the war on drugs and substance abuse.

He expressed government’s commitment to implementing policy reforms to facilitate the sustainability of the agriculture sector.

The Deputy President spoke during a fundraiser at Abothuguchi Boys High School in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County.

In his remarks, the Deputy President said the government will continue enforcing the stringent measures announced recently by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki to ensure that illicit brews get off the market.

He said those selling legit liquor will not be affected, emphasizing that the target is traders who have been selling poisonous alcohol.

"President, CS Kindiki and I have resolved that we can't allow the lives of our youths to be destroyed by illicit brews. We have deployed stringent measures to save the generation. Those selling legit alcoholic drinks will not be affected," said the Deputy President.

On coffee sub-sector reforms, he said the government has defeated cartels and brokers who were profiteering from the farmers' sweat.

Gachagua acknowledged that the reforms were yielding returns, enumerating several measures taken by the Kenya Kwanza administration to transform the agricultural sector and cushioning farmers from losses.

Since the reforms started, he said, farmers' income from the crop had increased.

The Deputy President told the locals that the Mariene-Githongo market road will be constructed and that a sum of Sh77 million has been set aside for a rural electrification project in Imenti Central constituency.

Gachagua was accompanied by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and MPs Moses Kirima Nguchine (Imenti Central), Meru Woman Rep Elizabeth Kairemia, Eng. Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), Dr John Mutunga (Tigania West), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Patrick Munene (Chuka Igamba-Ng'ombe), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Vincent Kawaya (Mwala), Robert Pukose (Endebes).

Woman Representatives Amina Dika (Tana River) and Cynthia Muge (Nandi), Nominated MP Dorothy Ikiara, MCAs led by Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi and former Head of Public Service Ambassador Francis Muthaura were also present.