A men’s lobby group from Mathioya sub county, Murang’a county, Kenya, has taken the lead in a renewed community campaign against illicit and harmful alcohol. The group, dubbed Boy Child Peace Ambassadors, is mobilizing residents to confront illegal brewing, sale, and consumption of alcohol. They believe that the fight against alcoholism cannot be won through government enforcement alone, but requires active involvement from families and the wider community.
The founder and CEO of Ahadi Kenya Trust, Dr. Stanley Kamau, who graced the sensitization forum, challenged men to break their silence and take a more active role in tackling alcohol abuse. He noted that men have a particular responsibility to protect their households, as alcohol dependency is leaving some families struggling with poverty, family breakdown, and loss of breadwinners. Dr. Kamau called on the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and other government agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of illicit and third-generation alcohol.
Dr. Kamau emphasized that authorities should place greater emphasis on prevention and education, instead of waiting until individuals and families have already suffered the consequences of addiction. He also called for stricter enforcement of regulations governing bars, particularly operating hours, saying excessive availability of alcohol could encourage harmful consumption. The CEO urged men to take personal responsibility by avoiding harmful drinking, supporting those battling alcohol dependency, and discouraging young people from being drawn into substance abuse.
Mathioya Senior Chief Sammy Mwangi urged residents to become active partners in the fight against alcoholism by reporting illegal brewing and the sale of unlicensed or counterfeit alcoholic drinks. He said elders and other community leaders have an important role to play in monitoring activities within their villages and alerting authorities whenever they suspect illegal alcohol businesses. Mwangi encouraged residents not to remain silent when they witness activities that endanger families and young people.
Mathioya Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Riungu Laikera identified third-generation alcohol as one of the major challenges facing the area, saying the problem requires targeted interventions. Laikera said the government would continue enforcing the law, but stressed that lasting solutions would require residents to take ownership of the campaign. He also raised concern over cases of suicide in the area and urged men to remain engaged in productive activities while supporting one another during difficult periods.
The devastating impact of alcohol abuse was highlighted by Gladys Njeri, a widow whose husband succumbed to the effects of illicit alcohol. Njeri appealed to the government to intensify the crackdown on unlicensed bars, saying families continue to pay a heavy price because of alcohol abuse. She emphasized that stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent unscrupulous traders from profiting from alcoholic drinks that put consumers and their families at risk.
The campaign in Mathioya signals growing recognition that the alcohol problem requires more than arrests and closure of illegal outlets. Community leaders say prevention, public education, responsible parenting, and support for people affected by alcohol dependency must form part of the response. With men now taking a more visible role, organizers hope the initiative will encourage households to confront alcohol abuse early, report illegal activities, and help restore stability in families affected by the menace.
Key points
- The men's lobby group, Boy Child Peace Ambassadors, is mobilizing residents to confront illegal brewing and sale of alcohol.
- Dr. Stanley Kamau called for stricter enforcement of regulations governing bars and greater emphasis on prevention and education.
- The campaign aims to encourage households to confront alcohol abuse early and report illegal activities.
