Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has acknowledged that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made significant strides in addressing the issue of illicit alcohol in the Mt Kenya region during his tenure. Kuria, however, expressed concerns about Gachagua's political decision-making, suggesting that his choices were not always beneficial to the community. This statement comes in the wake of a video showing a funeral of a woman who reportedly died due to the illicit alcohol menace.
Kuria drew a distinction between Gachagua's record on illicit alcohol and his broader political leadership. He stated that Gachagua was serious about fighting illicit brews in Mt Kenya, but criticized his political choices, citing their time together in the 12th Parliament and the Tanga Tanga movement. Kuria maintained that Gachagua had made progress in addressing the problem, but questioned the commitment of the current holder of the deputy presidency to tackling the issue.
Gachagua has consistently raised concerns about the illicit alcohol trade in Mt Kenya since leaving office, claiming that the crackdown he championed had weakened after his departure. In February 2025, he stated that the illicit alcohol trade had returned to the region, despite residents initially welcoming his efforts to tackle it. His claims have drawn criticism from the government, with Interior Ministry officials dismissing them as politically motivated.
The government has identified illicit brews and substance abuse as a major concern in Mt Kenya. In 2023, government officials described toxic alcohol, narcotics, and substance abuse as a serious threat to the region and directed security officials to intensify efforts against the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit substances. This highlights the ongoing efforts to address the issue, despite Gachagua's concerns about the current administration's commitment.
Gachagua has continued to make the illicit alcohol problem part of his wider political messaging in Mt Kenya, mobilizing regional leaders and MCAs to address the issue through coordinated legislation and enforcement. This approach aims to sustain the momentum in tackling the problem, which Kuria acknowledged Gachagua had initiated during his tenure as Deputy President.
The issue of illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya remains a pressing concern, with the region grappling with the consequences of toxic alcohol and substance abuse. The government's efforts to address the issue, coupled with Gachagua's continued advocacy, underscore the complexity of the problem and the need for sustained action to mitigate its impact.
Kuria's comments highlight the ongoing debate about Gachagua's legacy and the current administration's approach to addressing the illicit alcohol menace. While Kuria praised Gachagua's efforts, he also emphasized the need for continued action to tackle the problem, which remains a significant challenge in Mt Kenya.
Key points
- Former CS Moses Kuria credits ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua with progress in fighting illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya.
- Kuria criticizes Gachagua's political choices, citing their time together in the 12th Parliament and the Tanga Tanga movement.
- Gachagua continues to advocate for sustained action to address the illicit alcohol problem in Mt Kenya.
