Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced serious concerns over the resurgence of illicit alcohol in Central Kenya, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of turning a blind eye to the crisis.
Speaking to residents of Kangai in Kirinyaga County via a phone call, Gachagua criticized the government for what he described as a deliberate failure to control the sale of dangerous alcohol in the region.
His remarks followed an incident on Tuesday in which two people were hospitalized after consuming toxic alcohol in Kangai. The victims were admitted to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for treatment.
“This is deeply worrying,” Gachagua said. “It is unacceptable that the government is allowing the circulation of counterfeit alcohol in Kangai Ward — the same area where 17 people lost their lives in February 2024 after drinking poisonous liquor.”
Gachagua addressed residents during a call placed through Kirinyaga Senator James Murango. The Senator, accompanied by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina and Baragwi MCA David Mathenge, visited Kangai village following the latest incident.
The leaders condemned the county government for licensing an increasing number of bars, and accused local security teams of enabling 24-hour bar operations.
“This is not just negligence; it is enabling a public health disaster,” Senator Murango said during the visit.
Gachagua also revealed his plans to launch a new political party next month, which he said will prioritize fighting illicit alcohol in the region.
“We must take action where the current administration has failed,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our people must come first.”
