Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed the provincial administration officers to crackdown on illicit liquor saying alcoholism and drug abuse has become a menace particularly in the Mount Kenya region.
The DP also called on the county governments to regulate issuance of licenses for bars and pubs, saying abuse of especially illicit liquor has reached worrying levels and threatens to decimate a generation of the youth particularly in Central Kenya.
Mr Gachagua told national government administrators including sub chiefs, chiefs, sub-county and county commissioners and regional commissioners to join hands in containing the illicit liquor and take that responsibility.
“We shall not accept a situation where youths are being killed or become unproductive because of consumption of illicit alcohol. The administrators must eradicate alcoholism and drug abuse. The Ruto Administration will not negotiate on this unfortunate matter.
All administrators must return to their jobs now as the alcoholism is becoming a menace now and this situation must be dealt with decisively.
The Deputy President spoke in Murang’a on Thursday at the launch of the county’s bursary program. He praised Governor Irungu Kang’ata for the noble initiative and donated towards the same.
Mr Gachagua was accompanied by various political leaders including Governor Kangata, Senator Joe Nyutu, Woman Rep Betty Maina and Maragua Mp Mary Wamaua. Others included MPs Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Erick Wa Mumbi Mwangi of Mathira.
The leaders pledged support for the DP’s bid to eradicate drugs in the region.
At the same time, Mr Gachagua urged the provincial administration officers not to participate in politics and instead heighten efforts to contain the situation on consumption of illegal alcohol and substance abuse.
“County commissioners and police have to swing into action and eradicate alcoholism. The administrators were used by the former regime in campaigning for changes of the Constitution and Azimio. Their work is to assist the people not to participate in politics. Their work now includes driving tree planting programs,” said Mr Gachagua.
He added that plans to streamline and reform tea, coffee and dairy farming sectors are on high gear.
“I have been instructed by the President to reform the tea, coffee and dairy sectors. I am determined to remove the brokers and cartels who have been oppressing the farmers. My intention is to increase farmers’ income,” said Mr Gachagua.
In addition, the DP said the stalled development projects will resume soon as the government is mobilising funds. He lamented that the President Ruto-led administration inherited a beaten economy.
