- Ruto sentiments come weeks after the government launched measures to end illicit brews.
- On March 6, 2024, the government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse a top national security threat.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has warned against alcoholism among youths in the country.
The President on Tuesday said that a country cannot move forward with the culture of drinking.
He said that instead of drinking, youths should channel their energy into working.
"We are intentional on dealing with those who want to corrupt our young people with drugs and illicit brews. We have put down our foot that it cannot be business as usual. We cannot have a drinking nation, we must have a working nation," he said.
The President maintained that it cannot be both ways and Kenyans must choose the right path.
"Those who are telling us that we have closed their bars and they are unhappy with us, surely, the loss we have gotten from drugs is immense," he added.
Ruto sentiments come weeks after the government launched measures to end illicit brews.
On March 6, 2024, the government declared the fight against illicit alcohol, drug, and substance abuse a top national security threat.
The declaration was followed by the introduction of 25 key directives aimed at initiating crackdowns, regulations, and enforcement actions across the entire demand and supply chain.
Among the 25 measures was the 21-day suspension of all 52 licenses and permits issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
"In pursuit of the Administration's commitment of securing the health and well-being of all Kenyans, Cabinet was apprised of the progress made in the nationwide enforcement measures aimed at addressing access and consumption of killer brews, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances," the dispatch read.
The enforcement measures included a review of the legal framework applicable to the sector.
There was also the imposition of penalties on public or private officials who contribute to the death or material injury of persons through the sale of dangerous alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki announced the measures after over 20 people died from the consumption of illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga County.
Kindiki said the use of illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse majorly among teenagers, the youth and even the elderly, is now not only a grave social concern but also a threat to the wellbeing and sustainable future of the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reiterated that the government will not relent in the ongoing nationwide fight against illicit liquor manufacturers.
Gachagua urged the multi-agency security team to tighten the war on drugs and substance abuse.
"The government will continue enforcing the stringent measures announced recently by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to ensure that illicit brews get off the market," the DP said on Saturday during a fundraiser at Abothuguchi Boys High School in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County.
He said those selling legitimate liquor will not be affected, emphasizing that the target is traders who have been selling poisonous alcohol.
"President, CS Kindiki and I have resolved that we can't allow the lives of our youths to be destroyed by illicit brews. We have deployed stringent measures to save the generation. Those selling legit alcoholic drinks will not be affected," Gachagua said.