Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently shared his personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction at the Diaspora Caucus in Dallas, Texas, on September 26, 2026. During the event, Gachagua revealed that he used to drink on Fridays and Saturdays between 5 pm and 11 pm before finding faith and getting saved. He credited his wife, Pastor Dorcas, for convincing him to quit drinking and turn his life around.
Gachagua's speech was a candid reflection on his past struggles with alcohol, which he believes is a significant problem in the Mt Kenya region. He emphasized that he understood the grip of alcoholism on ordinary Kenyans because he had lived a similar experience. Gachagua's story resonated with many Kenyans, who appreciated his honesty and vulnerability.
The former deputy president specifically mentioned a cheap, potent brew known as gathungwe, which is widely available in Kenya. He described it as a small sachet of roughly 50 milliliters, costing just 50 shillings and typically shared among three people. Gachagua warned that the brew's near-instant effects make it particularly dangerous and difficult to regulate.
Gachagua painted a vivid picture of the brew's impact, saying that by the time the third person gets it, the first person is already down. He expressed concern that communities had previously made progress in addressing the problem, but the availability of cheap sachets has hindered this progress. Gachagua emphasized that the situation is painful for families and communities.
The event was attended by many Kenyans, including Gachagua's wife, Pastor Dorcas. He expressed gratitude to her for helping him overcome his addiction, saying, "She talked me out of it. And I want to thank her because since she talked me out of it, I've really succeeded." Gachagua's speech was well-received, with many praising his honesty and courage.
The video of Gachagua's speech was shared on social media, including TikTok, and generated thousands of reactions. While some people found humor in his story, others appreciated his message and agreed with his concerns about the dangers of cheap brews. The reactions highlighted the complexity of the issue and the need for continued conversations about addiction and substance abuse.
Gachagua's personal story is part of his broader efforts to engage with Kenyans and address pressing issues affecting the country. Recently, he shared information about his sons' business ventures, including their acquisition of top hotels in Nyeri, which have created employment opportunities for 200 Kenyans and supported local farmers.
Key points
- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua credits his wife Pastor Dorcas for helping him overcome his struggles with alcohol addiction.
- Gachagua highlights the dangers of cheap, potent brews like gathungwe, which is widely available in Kenya.
- The former deputy president's story has sparked conversations about addiction and substance abuse in Kenya.
