In a bid to combat the illicit alcohol trade and its adverse effects on the Mt. Kenya region, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently initiated a massive crackdown on the sale of these dangerous brews. However, his actions have been met with criticism from political rival and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party Leader, Raila Odinga.
On Thursday, April 20, at a town hall meeting in Murang’a County, Odinga denounced Gachagua’s approach, stating that the operation unfairly targets struggling youth. Odinga argued that the core issue lies in unemployment, which has led these young people to turn to alcohol consumption.
Odinga’s impassioned plea underscored the need to address the root of the problem: “They do not understand Kenyan problems. The youths are idle because there is no Kazi Mtaani. Yet someone is saying youths should not take alcohol. Youths are taking alcohol because they do not have jobs. Don’t arrest youths for taking alcohol, but give them jobs.”
As the debate over how best to address the illicit alcohol trade and its impact on the youth in Mt. Kenya continues, the rift between the two political leaders grows ever deepe