By REBECCA WANGARI
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illicit alcohol in the Mt Kenya region and across the country, declaring that he will personally lead efforts to combat the menace.
Kindiki said he would make the fight against alcoholism and illicit brews a personal priority, warning that the trade had evolved into a criminal enterprise responsible for loss of lives.
Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Gatanga, Murang’a County, the Deputy President said some traders were disguising harmful brews as legitimate alcoholic drinks while exposing consumers to dangerous chemicals.
“We have people purporting to be selling beer, but they are using harmful chemicals that endanger people’s lives,” he said.
“This is a battle we must win, and I am taking this fight personally. I will provide leadership to all the agencies involved, and this time we will also involve members of the public,” he added.
Kindiki declared a crackdown on those involved in the sale of dangerous alcohol and the trafficking and abuse of drugs and other substances.
“I am announcing total war against those selling harmful alcohol and those involved in drug and substance abuse. We will ensure we get everyone involved in this illegal business before they wipe out an entire generation,” he said.
The Deputy President said he had previously been assigned other demanding responsibilities and had delivered, adding that he would leave no stone unturned in the campaign against illicit alcohol.
“As a former Cabinet Secretary for Interior, I led successful operations against terrorists in Lamu and bandits in the Rift Valley, leaving the regions enjoying peace. I am sure we can win the fight against alcoholism in this country,” he said.
He urged politicians to keep out of the campaign, arguing that the fight against illicit alcohol should be led by government agencies in partnership with members of the public affected by the trade.
“We need members of the public to tell us those who are brewing illicit liquor, and the government will do the rest,” Kindiki said.
“We are going to face them head-on because it cannot be business as usual when our people are dying.”
He said he was prepared to face any political consequences arising from the campaign, insisting that criminal activity should not be tolerated for political reasons.
Kindiki also called for national unity, urging those seeking elective positions to sell their policies rather than use gangs, violence and intimidation to gain political support.
“You cannot force your way into leadership using violence and threats against the people,” he said.
