Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday urged the church to be more involved in the fight against the sale, distribution and consumption of illicit brews and hard drugs in the country.
Speaking to clergy who had been convened at the official residence of the DP in Karen by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas, for a discussion on mapping out mediation for the Church in Kenya, the DP took the opportunity to expound on the government’s agenda in fighting illicit brews and drugs.
He spoke on the vantage position the church holds in society as a voice of influence, noting the clergy’s daily interaction with Kenyans from the pulpit and other meetings at the grassroots.
“You must talk about this thing (illicit alcohol and drugs) every Sunday because those consuming are not doing it at home. Much as we blame the merchants of death, police and chiefs, our people also need a lot of guidance and counselling from your team (the church),” said the DP.
The DP compared the alcohol and drug menace to the time when HIV/AIDs was a global crisis, saying that conversation against the disease was elevated, raising awareness across communities, and giving the disease the right perspective.
“We are requesting that for the next six months you dedicate some time in your sermon to speak about drug abuse and illicit alcohol as part of creating a network of information for our people. We need the church to come in and support us in this campaign because it is serious,” he added.
Among those present included Archbishop Arthur Kitonga, Archbishop Gerry Kibarabara, Bishop Dr. Margaret Wangari, Bishop Dr. Mophat Kilioba, Bishop Dr. Pius Muiru and Rev. Dr. Lucy Muiru, Bishop Paul Wanjohi, and Bishop Dr. Stanley Michuki among others.
Pastor Dorcas also called on the clergy to open up their places of worship, and rescue the boys and men lost in addictions.
He urged the congregation to donate food and clothes for those who were vulnerable in society, saying it was wrong for the church to sit securely inside the four walls as many suffered outside in the streets.
“It is time we guide our children in the right way,” she said.
Pastor Dorcas has advocated for the boy child across the country, and taken hundreds of men through inpatient, outpatient, and community-based rehabilitation in different parts of the country.
