By Jane Mugambi
Kirinyanga County, Kenya: Government agencies have started sensitization public engagement with the aim of eradicating killer brews in Kirinyaga County.
Central Region National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse(NACADA)Mr. Amos Warui, who was accompanied by Mwea West subcountu Deputy county commissioner Lawrence Omondi said that the government is ready to ensure that the public gets fully engaged in the fight.
Through “positive parenting” Mr.Warui said that they are targeting the residents saying the incident that killed over 20 people had all ages included with the youngest being 35 and the eldest being over 73 years respectively.
Mr Warui said the forum is one of the various interventions they are putting in place in the community because parents have a major role to play in the society’s development.
“Majority of those who passed on were parents and we have to remind them they have responsibilities and roles to play in the eradication of brews and drug substances,” Warui said.
He said that due to public engagement, the community is also giving directions on how the menace should be fought, one of the steps NACADA will adopt.
Kirinyaga county government has reduced the number of liquor outlets in Kangai and Mutithi wards to 16 from 330.
At Kandongu town there is no liquor outlet after the county commissioner Hussein Allasow closed them-thus the verification team did not visit them.
In Kangai,16 managed to be verified and complied with the requirements that were needed by the verification team.
Mwea West sub-county Deputy county commissioner Lawrence Omondi while addressing Karii residents at Kathiga chiefs camp on Wednesday said that, the government could only achieve its goals in the fight against killer brews in the sub-county through the support from locals; saying the government is determined to ensure that no-one dies.
“The government is dealing with killer brews with an intention of eradicating them, The efforts can only be achieved if you wananchi join hands with the security team,” said Mr.Omondi.
He said that drunkardness has reduced and it’s noticeable from the public who used to throng liquor outlets as early as 6 am.
“Since the closure of all liquor outlets we have noticed a sober environment,drunkardness has reduced, “He said.
Mr.Warui said that the county government needs to come up with a rehabilitation center since the government-run facility is in Nyeri-thus may be far for some relatives who may want to visit their loved ones.
NACADA is embarking on a survey and research to get data on drug abuse so as to come up with interventions.
He challenged parents in neglecting their children urging them to support them(children) in agricultural activities citing that Kangai ward is known as a horticultural area and thus used to feed the country, also told the residents not to wait for government jobs.
“Parents, let us support our children. When we engage the youth, they tell us they are engaging in drug use due to a lack of employment, but if we keep them busy, they will not get time to go into drugs,” he said.
Kangai Member of County Assembly, James Wambu, appreciated the way NACADA has been responding since the first incidents occurred in his ward saying that some parents admit their failure in taking up responsibilities.
He said that due to fear of victimization from security agents, there is a free toll. number to report illicit brews and the numbers are 1192 (NACADA), and the county government, 0800721812,.
John Gitari, resident of Kangai, said the government should continuously deal with illicit brews, not only when people lose lives. He pointed out that the creation of job opportunities at both levels of government will reduce the use of drugs and other harmful substances by the youth.
