The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a statement regarding illicit alcohol that killed three people in Nakuru County. In a statement on Sunday, December 22, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki highlighted the dangers of such alcohol shortly after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto of directing them to the Mt. Kenya region.
According to Gachagua, the state had hatched a plan to drastically cut Mt. Kenya votes by 2027.
“MoH is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three lives in Nakuru County following the consumption of illicit alcohol,” Muriuki said.
PS Muthoni stated that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers associated with consuming unregulated and unlicensed alcoholic beverages.
Furthermore, Muriuki stated that illicit alcohol often contains harmful substances such as methanol, which can be fatal.
She explained that consuming these substances can lead to serious health consequences, including blindness, organ damage, and even death.
MoH Plea to Kenyans
The Ministry has urged the public to consume only alcohol that is legally registered and licensed by government agencies.
According to Muriuki, this will ensure that the alcohol has undergone proper quality control and meets safety standards.
“Avoiding purchasing alcohol from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Be wary of suspiciously cheap or counterfeit products,” Muriuki said.
Additionally, MoH has advised Kenyans to practice responsible alcohol consumption such avoiding excessive drinking, especially during the festive season.
Also Read: Questions Gachagua Wants Ruto to Answer When He Visits Mt. Kenya
Besides, Muriuki said the tragic incident underscores the importance of the ongoing nationwide public awareness campaigns led by the Division of drug and substances abuse control within the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards.
The campaign is meant to educate the public on the harmful effects of drugs and substances including Novel nicotine and other emerging tobacco products.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” she said.
Also Read: Ruto Explains Why He Appointed Uhuru Men into Cabinet
Gachagua Accusations Against Ruto
Speaking in Naivasha, Gachagua alleged that Ruto has been ordering the sale of poisonous alcohol in Mt Kenya to reduce number of voters in the region
“Since I was impeached, Ruto directed that all poisonous alcohol be sold in Mt. Kenya to kill our youth. The chiefs and police have been told to allow people to drink and die to reduce the number of voters in this region,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua asked Ruto to visit Mt. Kenya and explain why illicit brews are still being sold in the region.
He also accused the President of betraying and oppressing the residents of the region.
“Let time advise you, don’t wait for the anger to come down, it is just rising. If you fear tension, then you won’t come,” he said.
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