By I.P. reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 24 2024.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims that the government is targeting Mt. Kenya residents with illicit and counterfeit alcohol to diminish their voting strength.
Duale described Gachagua’s statements as “unfortunate, irresponsible, incitement, and reckless,” urging leaders to rise above divisive ethnic politics.
Gachagua, impeached and replaced by Kithure Kindiki, alleged on October 22 that Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had reopened factories producing substandard alcohol under President William Ruto’s directives, with the products sold exclusively in Mt. Kenya.
PS Omollo dismissed these claims, emphasizing that substance misuse is a national issue affecting families countrywide.
However, the broader issue of alcohol abuse in Kenya, especially during festive seasons like Christmas, deserves attention.
According to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya faces a significant challenge with alcohol consumption.
Previous studies indicate high levels of alcohol misuse in Central Province, driven by affordability, accessibility, and social acceptance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports Kenya’s per capita alcohol consumption at nearly 1.7 liters, with heavy episodic drinking prevalent among youth and vulnerable groups.
Alcohol Abuse During Festive Seasons.
The Christmas season often witnesses a spike in alcohol consumption as families and communities celebrate.
While social drinking is culturally accepted, the season is also marked by increased cases of binge drinking, road accidents, family disruptions, and health emergencies related to excessive alcohol use.
Solutions Beyond Political Rhetoric.
Rather than engaging in blame games, leaders, government agencies, and citizens must collaborate to address the alcohol menace comprehensively.
The following measures are recommended:
Government Measures
1. Enforce Regulations: The government must strengthen its multi-agency enforcement program launched in 2024, which includes a 25-point action plan for vetting alcohol manufacturers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Increase public awareness of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, especially during the festive season, through community outreach and media campaigns.
3. Economic Alternatives: Address underlying issues like unemployment and idleness, particularly among youth, which contribute to alcohol abuse.
4. Accessible Rehabilitation Services: Expand access to rehabilitation and counseling services for individuals struggling with addiction.
Citizen Responsibilities.
1. Community Policing: Communities must report unregulated or illicit alcohol production and sale to authorities.
2. Cultural Shift: Promote responsible drinking through family and cultural structures, discouraging binge drinking and underage alcohol use.
3. Support Systems: Families and friends can provide support to those struggling with alcohol dependency, encouraging them to seek professional help.
As Kenya grapples with the alcohol menace, especially during the holiday season, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize public health and safety over divisive politics.
Solutions require unity, responsibility, and a focus on long-term interventions to safeguard families and communities.
Ends.
