Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while speaking in Rift Valley region on Monday, May 29 said he used to abuse alcohol before he got saved.
The second in command who presided over a conference on ending alcoholism and drug abuse stated that his life changed for the better after quitting alcohol.
“The President, [Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure] Kindiki, and the rest of us, none has a problem with alcohol. I must admit I used to drink a lot before I got saved and since I stopped drinking my things have been very good,” Gachagua said.
He further urged people drinking alcohol to follow in his footsteps and quit the vice.
“That is how I am deputy president. I invite those who drink to consider dropping it and maybe your things will get better.” Stated the DP.
Also Read: DP Gachagua to Organize a Small Conference to Address the Issue of Alcoholism in Central Region
Moreover, DP Gachagua put on notice law enforcement officers whom he alleged have been aiding the menace by asking for bribes and running drinking dens.
“We are very happy with police officers who are doing a very good job, but we have a serious problem with a few of them who have a conflict of interest and have opened bars in the areas where they serve. We have a problem with a few officers who are collecting protection fees; police officers who are supposed to arrest drunkards, but they are more drunk,” Gachagua said.
Also Read: Alcohol Still Most Abused Substance in Kenya-NACADA Report
The deputy president further cautioned rogue businesspeople who have been manufacturing illicit alcohol in unhygienic distilleries, bottling, and selling it as authorized brands.
He said the government will not hesitate to punish them. The DP reported that the brewers have been bringing ethanol from Tanzania.