Sports activities have helped to fight alcoholism – Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lauded Sports as one of the major activities that is aiding the fight against illicit brew in the country.

Speaking as he hosted top athletes under Adidas Kenya at his official residence in Karen, the Deputy President said the involvement of the youth in sporting activities has seen challenges of alcoholism in the country go down.

“Sports is very important and I want to encourage you to continue. Imetusaidia sana kwa maneno ya pombe na madawa ya kulevya na mambo ya kulevya. (Sports is very important and I want to encourage you to continue. It has helped us a lot with the words alcohol and drugs and addictions),” he said.

The deputy President who has been leading the war against illicit brew said that the government has registered tremendous progress in the ongoing fight.

Among the tactics the government is deploying to eliminate the vice is encouraging the youth to take part in useful, healthy activities such as various sporting activities.

Gachagua highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing sports facilities in the country.

“I am leading the war and I am not going back. But fighting alone is not enough. We need to back it up with sports facilities," he said.

"Ndio maana hapa Kapsabet,  hiyo stadium tuna shughulikia, Eldoret 64 stadium and  Kamariny. We will work with Nandi Governor Sang zile viwanja ndogo ndogo zishughulikiwe. We continue enhancing our facilities for athletics and other sports,” he added.

The DP also lauded the sporting community for the role they play in promoting nationalism and unity among Kenyans.

"Hii maneno ya athletics ndio inamalizanga mambo ya ukabila Kenya Sababu wakati mnashinda tunasemanga ni mkenya. (Things to do with athletics end ethnic issues in Kenya. When you win, we say you are Kenyan)," he said.

The athletes sought the national government intervention through the DP in addressing the issues of elections in athletics in Kenya.

“I agree the issue of election in athletics Kenya is a thorny issue but we shall sort it out. We don’t want to destabilize the Olympics. But after, I shall speak with the CS in charge to see the issue addressed,” the deputy president said.

Athletes have also been urged to make informed financial decisions to avoid finding themselves in financial turmoil.

"We want to mentor our athletes to use whatever they get prudently. I am glad the old people are walking with them because they will offer wisdom," Gachagua said.