The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders led by the security sector and criminal justice to end alcohol and substance abuse menace in Central Kenya and the country.
Gachagua noted that the situation is bad and if not checked, the country stares at a risk of having an entire generation wiped out.
He was speaking today in a meeting that brought together officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, National Government Administration officers, Kenya Revenue Authority, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse.
Recently, the DP held two consecutive meetings with the leadership from the central region, seeking a solution to the menace after which the model used to solve the menace if successful, would be replicated in all other regions.
“I held a meeting with security agencies here in Nairobi; they explained to me that they were having challenges because there was a gap and lack of cooperation between themselves and the prosecution. The way we look at this thing is that it is a national problem. I want officers to appreciate that much as you are officers, you are also parents. Your own children are potential candidates,” he said.
“I want to appeal to you as parents to give this thing your all. I want to discourage any blame game. I want us to look for a solution. A multi-agency approach, and cooperation between the investigators and those who do prosecution. So that we can save those who are not yet addicted. We have a programme that we are working on with county governments on how to deal with those already in trouble” he added.
He said plans were underway to set up a rehabilitation centre in every county to deal with those already addicted.
“We have talked to governors to consider, once we map out all the addicted persons, the county govts will consider giving them NHIF to cover rehabilitation.”
The Deputy President has also continued urging members of the county assemblies to continue complimenting the national government, by formulating laws and policies that will guide the nation on how to deal with those found to be aiding the spread of the menace through production or consumption.
“…..We have asked for stringent fines and prison terms for people found to manufacture, peddle and consume illicit alcohol,” he stated.
He reiterated that the government was willing to put all the effort to win the war by hook or crook.
“This war must be won. It will be won through a concerted effort by men and women in this room. Agreeing that we have a problem and a responsibility to save a generation.”
Gachagua is expected to visit Nakuru for a consultative meeting with stakeholders from the North and South Rift, thereafter, visit the Coast region for a similar engagement and later, western Kenya and Mount Kenya east counties.
