By Charles Kinyua
Leaders from the mountain region have called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua not to relent on leading the war on third generation brews that threaten to put to extinction an entire generation.
Led by Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, the leaders attending the funeral of their colleague Benjamin Gathiru (MejjaDonk)’s father; Joseph Mwangi Muiga alias Dereva at Kangurwe village in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, the leaders noted that many families have lost loved ones to alcoholism in silence.
“It’s time we speak out on the pain of losing a loved to irresponsible drunkenness and curb the vice,” said the legislator adding, “I personally lost a brother and understand the effect”.
Kiambu Woman Representative, Anne Wamuratha noted that the war may never be effectively won if families and the wider society does not accept those being rehabilitated.
“Familes must accept, recieve and respect those give up on drunkenness for them feel at ease and live harmoniously,” advised the professional counsellor.
The Kiambu legislator also urged the churches to play a more significant role in the eradication of the brews by reaching out to the addicts and give them hope.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Maina Mathenge lamented the time wasted waiting for sample results from the government chemist calling for the government to decentralise the service by opening regional offices.
Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinanire Warue assured residents of the devolved unit’s commitment to fighting the vice noting that no new liquor licences would be issued and at the same time closing those accused of selling counterfeits.
“We recently closed a notorious entity brewing and selling killer brews at Gatitu and the owners are currently putting it into better use by selling animal feeds”, said the county second in command.
In a light moment, Lamu woman rep Monica Marubu decried the lack of husbands by youthful women like her as their peers have drowned in the brews while her Taita Taveta counterpart declared that most women have confided to her of signs of forming lives inside them since the fight against the illicit liquor intensified.
The DP who was accompanied by more than 50 political leaders with all those who spoke supporting his initiative.
Mt Kenya Times