Ruiru leaders sound alarm over Ebola, killer liquor

Residents of Ruiru in Kiambu County have been urged to observe Ministry of Health guidelines and avoid risky physical contact amid concerns over the spread of Ebola, with local leaders warning that the town’s proximity to Nairobi calls for heightened vigilance.

Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too and local politician Sammy Onyango urged residents to exercise caution, follow public health advice and avoid contact that could expose them to the deadly virus.

Addressing a meeting in Ruiru town, Too emphasised the need for residents to remain vigilant, noting that the disease was not airborne and could spread through direct contact with infected people and their bodily fluids.

“Ruiru is very close to Nairobi and you are advised to steer clear of physical contact as advised by the Ministry of Health so as to avoid contracting the virus,” Too said.

Onyango echoed the warning, saying Ruiru’s proximity to Nairobi made it important for residents to take the necessary precautions and avoid behaviours that could expose them to infection.

“Let us shun risky behaviour like physical contact and exchange of bodily fluids to be on the safe side as per precautions from health experts,” he cautioned.

The leaders’ remarks come amid heightened concern over Ebola cases reported in the country. Residents were encouraged to rely on official public health guidance and seek medical attention if they developed symptoms or suspected exposure.

Meanwhile, Too warned traders involved in the sale of illicit and harmful alcoholic drinks that security agencies would continue with an ongoing crackdown targeting illegal alcohol and narcotic drugs.

He said a multi-agency operation launched three weeks earlier remained active, adding that bar operators who violated licensing regulations would face legal action.

“The multi-agency crackdown on harmful alcoholic drinks and narcotic drugs which was launched three weeks ago is still ongoing. I am also warning bar operators to stick to the licensing regulations or face the law,” Too said.

Onyango, who is seeking the Ruiru parliamentary seat, called on leaders from both the government and opposition to set aside their political differences and work together to combat the sale and distribution of illicit liquor.

He expressed concern over the consumption of cheap, potentially poisonous alcoholic beverages in Central Kenya, arguing that unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities had left some young people vulnerable to harmful drinking habits.

Onyango accused unscrupulous traders of exploiting the situation for profit, warning that the illegal alcohol trade posed a serious threat to public health and the future of young people.

“Social life in this part of the country has been weaponized through the sale of poisonous liquor. Those behind its manufacture and distribution must be stopped as they threaten generations,” he said.

The two leaders called for continued cooperation between residents, security agencies and political leaders to strengthen public safety, enforce alcohol regulations and protect communities from health risks and the dangers associated with illicit liquor.