Gachagua lauds strides made in war against drug abuse » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 7 – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lauded Kenya’s strides in development while identifying drug and substance abuse as the foremost challenge facing the country.
Addressing the Kenyan diaspora in Kigali, Rwanda, Deputy President Gachagua condemned the decade-long exploitation of the youth by individuals who have been endangering their lives by producing and selling toxic substances under the guise of alcohol.
“In our fight against drug and substance abuse, we have taken decisive action. Out of 56, only two factories have met our stringent conditions. The rest have been closed down, and we are enforcing strict regulations,” stated Deputy President Gachagua.
He further detailed the government’s crackdown, extending to the closure of bars near schools and residential areas, emphasizing the importance of regulated drinking hours from 5 pm to 11 pm to curb daytime drinking and foster a culture of responsibility.
“We cannot let drugs and alcohol take over our country. So that’s the only small challenge we have. The rest of the things are going on okay,” affirmed Deputy President Gachagua.
Expressing concern about the issue’s prevalence, he hoped that Rwanda did not face similar challenges, particularly among the Kenyan community residing there.
Encouraging diaspora contributions to the nation’s economy through remittances and investments, Gachagua promised a diaspora board to ensure the safety and effective utilization of their contributions.
This address aligns with a comprehensive national campaign against illegal brews and drug misuse, with Deputy President Gachagua pledging an unwavering commitment to eradicating substance abuse for the sake of Kenya’s youth.
“The vision is clear: we want a vibrant, self-reliant community, liberated from the scourge of alcohol and drugs,” emphasized Deputy President Gachagua.