Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the nationwide war on illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse is unstoppable and the Government will not give in despite fightbacks from merchants of death disguised as entrepreneurs.
Speaking in Roysambu at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Gateway Church during the induction of Rev. David Chege, who takes over as the new minister of Gateway Parish, Gachagua said legitimate businesses will be allowed to thrive to support the economy.
“I was not born in the seat of the Deputy President. If I lose for stopping poison packaged as alcohol being sold to our children, so be it. There is no pride in leading a drunk nation.
“There is no pride in leading people who cannot work,” the Deputy President said, adding that he is ready to pay the political price to save the youth and return their dignity.
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Last week, the Government issued various directives aimed at eradicating illicit liquor, drugs and substance abuse.
Key among the directives was cancellation of second-generational manufacturing licenses awaiting fresh application and closure of alcohol outlets near schools.
“Illicit brews are killing our children. The youth are sleeping in trenches. We are staring at losing an entire generation. That is why the Government issued tough directives against Illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse. We are not fighting businesses, which are selling legitimate liquor,” he said.
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Gachagua dismissed calls of withdrawing from the war over possible loss of votes.
The deputy president said eradication of the illicit alcohol menace and drugs will lead to a productive nation, with people living in dignity.
At the same time, he praised Rev. David Chege, who has been transferred from Karatina Parish, Kirimara West Presbytery in Nyeri County to serve in the Nairobi Presbytery saying he is compassionate and development oriented.
The service was led by the Nairobi North Presbytery Moderator Rev Philip Gichuri.
