Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the nationwide war on illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse is unstoppable and the Government will not give in despite fightbacks from merchants of death disguised as entrepreneurs.
Mr Gachagua said he cannot succumb to threats and other forms of intimidation emphasising that he is ready to pay the political price to restore dignity of the people, especially the youth.
Speaking at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Gateway Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, during the induction of Rev. David Chege, who takes over at the new minister of Gateway Parish, Mr Gachagua said legitimate business will be allowed to thrive to support the economy.
“Illicit brews are killing our children. The youth are sleeping in trenches. We were staring at losing an entire generation. That is why the Government issued tough directives against Illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse. We are not fighting businesses, which are selling legitimate liquor,” he said.
Last week, the Government issued various directives aimed at eradicating illicit liquor, drugs and substance abuse. Key among the directives was cancellation of second-generational manufacturing licenses awaiting fresh application and closure of alcohol outlets near schools.
Mr Gachagua who was accompanied by his Spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, dismissed calls from some quarters of withdrawing from the war or going slow on it over possible loss of votes.
“I was not born in the seat of the Deputy President. If I lose politically for stopping poison packaged as alcohol being sold to our children, so be it. There is no pride in leading a drunken nation. There is no pride in leading people who cannot work, and without dignity” the Deputy President said.
Mr Gachagua also said eradication of the illicit alcohol menace and drugs will lead to a productive nation, with people living in dignity.
Other measures to be implemented immediately are withdrawal of licenses of bars established within residential areas and around basic educational institutions, fresh verification of licenses of chemists and agrovets by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in the next 30 days.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration will develop measures for the branding and colouring of vehicles transporting alcoholic drinks and tobacco products. The transportation has also been restricted to between 6am and 6pm. These guidelines should be in place in the next 14 days.
Also, the Kenya Bureau of Standards has been ordered to review guidelines on minimum quantity of alcoholic drinks with a view of enhancing the same from 250ml to 750ml.
All enforcement agencies have been directed to vet officers at the border points, highways and regional offices. Only officers of integrity and good standing will be appointed to conduct surveillance at the border points.
The Government has also banned with immediate effect, the manufacture, sale, use, advertisement and distribution of shisha. The counties were asked to enforce this directive without fail.
On the other hand, Mr Gachagua asked leaders and the people of Mt Kenya Region to shun divisive politics and remain behind united behind President William Ruto to benefit more.
The Deputy President praised Rev. David Chege, who has been transferred from Karatina Parish, Kirimara West Presbytery in Nyeri County to serve in the Nairobi Presbytery saying he is compassionate and development oriented.
