- Rigathi Gachagua accuses President William Ruto of promoting illicit alcohol in the Mount Kenya region.
- Claims policies are reducing voter populations by targeting youth with dangerous substances.
- Gachagua recalls his own efforts against alcoholism during his tenure as Deputy President.
- Criticizes reopening of alcohol factories, attributing fatalities and social decay to these policies.
Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President, has launched a scathing critique against President William Ruto, alleging a deliberate attempt to harm the Mount Kenya community. Speaking at a church service in Naivasha, Gachagua accused the President of enabling a surge in alcoholism, undoing the progress made during his tenure.
Gachagua’s fiery remarks come amidst mounting concerns over alcohol abuse in the region. He painted a grim picture of what he sees as deliberate policies aimed at crippling the region’s socio-economic fabric.
“The Interior Security PS was instructed by the President to reopen all those alcohol factories, and they were urged to sell the alcohol exclusively in Mount Kenya,” Gachagua claimed. “It is not sold in Rift Valley or anywhere else. Yesterday, three people died in Bahati.”
Undoing Progress: A Dangerous Trend
During his time as Deputy President, Gachagua spearheaded efforts to combat the growing menace of alcoholism in the Mount Kenya region. He recounted significant strides in reducing the availability and consumption of illicit brews, which he argued were destroying the lives of young people.
However, Gachagua now accuses President Ruto of reversing these gains. According to him, the reopening of alcohol factories and the unchecked distribution of these harmful substances have led to dire consequences, including fatalities.
“Since they forced me out of office, the President has ordered all the illicit alcohol that kills people to be brought here to destroy our young people,” he said.
A Calculated Political Move?
Gachagua’s accusations extend beyond just social decay. He suggested that the policies encouraging alcohol consumption in Mount Kenya might be a calculated political move. By enabling the proliferation of dangerous alcohol, he argued, the government is systematically reducing the voter population in the region.
“Police and chiefs have been instructed to allow people to continue drinking the deadly alcohol, so the number of registered voters decreases,” he alleged. “It is immoral; it is unacceptable to target a community for destruction and extinction through the sale of poison to them.”
A Call for Accountability
The former Deputy President called on President Ruto to directly engage with the people of Mount Kenya. He urged the President to address their concerns rather than waiting for tensions to subside.
“Come and tell these people why you are sending poisonous alcohol to Mount Kenya to kill their children,” Gachagua demanded. “The people loved you and voted for you; they deserve answers.”
He emphasized the importance of accountability, urging the President to confront the growing discontent head-on. Gachagua’s critique reflects the frustrations of a community grappling with the impact of harmful policies and feeling increasingly neglected by the leadership they supported.
Mount Kenya’s Growing Discontent
The Mount Kenya region, known for its vibrant economic activities and strong community values, has faced significant challenges from alcohol and drug abuse. Gachagua highlighted the societal and economic toll that these substances have had on the region, describing it as a deliberate effort to undermine its potential.
He recalled warning the President against reopening alcohol factories during his tenure, but his concerns were dismissed. According to Gachagua, this decision has had devastating consequences, with families losing loved ones and communities losing their vibrancy.
The Role of Law Enforcement
One of the key points raised by Gachagua was the role of law enforcement in enabling the alcohol crisis. He accused police officers and local chiefs of turning a blind eye to the rampant sale of illicit brews.
“Police and chiefs have been instructed to allow this menace to continue,” he said. “This is not just negligence; it’s a betrayal of the people they are supposed to protect.”
Questions Demanding Answers
In his impassioned speech, Gachagua posed several questions to President Ruto. Among them was the controversial issue of livestock vaccination, which the President had reportedly criticized Kenyans for refusing to accept. He also reminded Ruto of the pivotal role played by religious leaders during his campaign.
“The clergy held your hand and prayed for you during the campaigns. Why are you now criticizing them?” he asked.
Mount Kenya’s Plea for Leadership
The mounting frustrations in Mount Kenya point to a broader sense of alienation from national leadership. The community’s contributions to the country’s political and economic landscape have been immense, yet they feel their concerns are being sidelined.
Gachagua’s plea for President Ruto to visit the region underscores the urgency of the situation. He argued that addressing the community’s grievances is not just a political necessity but also a moral obligation.
The Battle Against Alcoholism: A Renewed Call
As the Mount Kenya region grapples with the resurgence of alcoholism, Gachagua’s call to action serves as a rallying cry for renewed efforts to combat this menace. He stressed that it is possible to end the scourge of illicit brews, pointing to the progress made during his tenure.
“It is entirely possible to end the war on alcoholism because I had already achieved it,” he said.
This renewed call for action comes as families, community leaders, and local organizations continue to advocate for stricter policies and enforcement to curb the spread of harmful substances.
The accusations leveled by Gachagua against President Ruto highlight the deep divisions and challenges facing the Mount Kenya region. From the socio-economic impact of alcoholism to the perceived neglect by national leadership, the community is grappling with issues that require urgent attention.
Gachagua’s critique, while fiery, serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of leadership. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing the concerns of all communities.
As the region continues its fight against alcohol and drug abuse, the call for justice and better policies remains louder than ever. The people of Mount Kenya deserve not only answers but also tangible actions to restore hope and ensure a brighter future.
