Kithure Kindiki Orders Chiefs to Collect Names of Addicts in Renewed Fight Against Illicit Brew

 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has initiated a program aimed at tackling the menace of illicit brew. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki at a past engagement.  During a press briefing on Friday, February 16, the CS stated the government had established the program to help people with substance use disorders in society. The CS instructed chiefs and their assistants under National Government Administration Officers ( NGAO) to register individuals with drinking problems in their areas of jurisdiction. He explained that the initiative would help reduce demand for the drinks that have continued to wreak havoc in homes and society. "We've also initiated a program to assist our people who are chronically addicted to alcoholism. Therefore our chiefs and assistant chiefs have been instructed to collect data from every village of all chronic addicts so that we can take them for rehabilitation. That will be able to support the community from the demand side of this problem," he said. Subscribe to watch new videos What will happen to Kirinyaga bar owner The Interior CS further stated the government would pursue the most severe charges against John Muriithi, the owner of the Kirinyaga bar that sold toxic liquor, resulting in the deaths of over 17 people. Kindiki emphasised the government's commitment to building a solid case, with compelling evidence against Muriithi. Comparing Muriithi to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, the CS stated that the government would ensure justice for victims of the killer drink. "We intend to charge Muriithi with the most serious crimes ever in our statutes. The murder of so many people is not a small thing, and therefore, we are not looking at routine charges about operating without a license and other misdemeanours. We are looking at putting up a proper and water-tight case. This fellow will never know freedom again," he said. Gachagua: Issue one bar licence per town Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua previously asked provincial administration officers to crack down on illicit liquor in the Mount Kenya region. Gachagua said alcoholism and drug abuse had become a menace in the region, taking away the young in society. The second in command called on county governments to regulate the issuance of licences for bars and restaurants, saying abuse of especially illicit liquor has reached worrying levels and threatens to clear a generation of the youth.

by  Didacus Malowa