Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the arrest of a sub-chief who was allegedly binge drinking at a local pub during his visit to Mathira constituency, Nyeri County on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Speaking to Tumutumu village residents, the DP tasked the area county commissioner with the responsibility of foreseeing the arrest of the administrator.
While castigating the administrator, Gachagua claimed that the unnamed chief was tainting the image of other administrators and leaders by drinking alcohol in broad daylight.
He subsequently called for his dismissal and his immediate replacement warning that any administrator caught drinking should not be allowed to partake in duties.
“County commissioner sai iko chief moja sai iko kwa bar sai anakunywa, ntakupatia jina utume askari washike yeye, anakunywa sai na ni saa saba,” he stated.
“Hapa utatafta Chief county commissioner, assistant chief, hakuna chief mlevi atafanya kazi kwa hii kenya. chief lazima aamue akunywe pombe ama afanye kazi kwa sababu ile kazi nyingi ni ya kupigana na pombe,” he added.
Gachagua’s remarks come amidst a push by the government to unhook the youth, particularly in the Mount Kenya region from alcoholism.
Last month, the country’s second-in-command ordered a crackdown and a review meeting to determine the progress made in curbing alcohol substance abuse.
The DP was speaking during a stakeholders forum in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County held to seek ways of ending illicit brew and substance abuse.
“Within 10 days, the over 2,800 illegal establishments of alcohol in the region must be brought down and owners prosecuted. A decision has been made that alcohol and drugs are threats to our nation. After that meeting, we will allow those who could have not done much to go home and rest,” he said.
“We have held such meetings in Nyeri, Nakuru and today here in Chuka. We are headed to Coast and Western Regions. That tells you of the Government’s commitment to this matter. In this fight, you are more than protected. There will be no calls from anybody. President William Ruto will not call you, neither, Professor Kithure Kindiki (Interior Cabinet Secretary) nor Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome. I won’t call you. Ignore all other calls. If anyone threatened you, find a way of reaching out to us,” he added.
