Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he is ready to lose his seat for the fight against illicit brews.
Speaking at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Gateway Church in Roysambu, Nairobi County, Gachagua said President William Ruto mandated him to bring a stop to the selling of “poisonous” alcohol to the youth.
The DP said he has been warned against cartels in the sector who sent former Chairman of the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), John Michael Njenga Mututho packing.
However, Gachagua stated that he was elected to the position recently and doesn’t mind losing it for the sake of the youth.
“I was not born as a DP; I was just elected the other day. All the other years I was just eating and drinking, and life moved on. I will not stay in this seat forever. If I will lose the DP seat because of the fight against illicit brew, then I am ready,” Gachagua said.
The DP said the government doesn’t wish to lead a drunk nation adding that they want a clean and respectable society.
“There is no pride in leading a drunken nation and people with broken families. We want to leave families, decent and productive people,” he explained.
Gachagua Emphasizes Government Order on Illicit Brews
According to Gachagua, illicit brew has affected the youth especially those in Mt. Kenya region and Nairobi County.
He stated that the brewers sold “poison” in the name of alcohol to their customers.
“We were almost losing an entire generation, so last week we issued strict measures to control alcohol in production. We agreed that no one will brew poison and sell it as alcohol to our children,” he stated.
Also Read: Gachagua Addresses Ruto Dropping Him in 2027
He reiterated that the government closed bars near schools and those within estates while all alcohol manufacturers have been stopped for 21 days pending fresh licensing.
Additionally, Gachagua said he will continue with the fight against the illicit brews and illegal alcohol manufacturers.
“We are not saying the businesses should be closed, what we don’t want is poisonous alcohol. We can’t allow you sell poisonous alcohol to our children but if you are selling the good one, you can continue,” he said.
Also Read: MPs Face Charges After Destroying Alcohol in Gachagua’s Backyard
Govt Revokes Alcohol Manufacturers Licenses
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki announced that the government had revoked all licenses and certifications permit for second generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers across the country.
Kindiki said all licenses and certifications issued by the Kenya revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will be vetted afresh.
“All existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of this directive with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of a fresh approval,” he said.
Besides, the CS invited all currently licensed manufactures and distillers to a meeting scheduled for March 12, 2024, at 10:00 am.
Furthermore, Kindiki directed manufacturers to install quality control laboratories, operated by competent analysts.
