Gov’t to work with Catholic Church to fight illicit brew

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed the Government’s readiness to closely work with the Catholic Church in the ongoing war against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse.

The Deputy President said the Church is critical in ensuring the success in the battle he is spearheading across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday morning when he met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, at the Official Residence in Karen, Mr Gachagua said they have intensified the fight to save thousands of youth immersed in the social ills.

“As a Government, we will continue working with the Church in the fight against illicit brews, drug and substance abuse. We are grateful for the support of the Catholic Church and look forward to enhanced support in the war,” the DP said.

He said the Government is keen on ensuring a healthy and productive young generation contributing immensely to the social-economic growth of the nation.

While praising the Catholic Church for playing a significant role in the country’s development, he observed that they were open to more engagements in the health, education and humanitarian interventions in the country.

“We appreciate the good work the Catholic church is doing. In the health sector, the mission hospitals have greatly supplemented the facilities run by the national and county governments,” he noted.

The DP also appreciated the collaborative efforts in the humanitarian engagements that have seen thousands of Kenyans in need supported with food, medicine, antenatal and postnatal care among others interventions.

“We look forward to intensifying these engagements for the benefit of the people,” he said.

With Kenya being at the forefront in pushing Africa to play a better role in the Climate Change response globally, the Deputy President challenged the Church to boost the Government’s local initiatives.

“The negative effects of climate change are real. The global response has been slow but the church can help in boosting ongoing efforts against this phenomenon,” he said.

On regional peace and security, the Deputy President said Kenya is playing a central role in efforts to ensure the stability of the region owing to its role as an anchor state.

Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the representative of the State of Vatican in the country, welcomed the Government’s efforts against climate change and other challenges, promising the Church’s support.

“The Catholic Church is ready to support the Government in creating a better future for Kenyans,” he said.

The Archbishop also delivered Pope Francis’ condolences to Kenya for the death of General Francis Ogolla in an air crash last week.