• The top state official called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to arrest problem
Image: GEORGE OWITI
Alcohol and drug abuse are becoming a menace and threat to humanity in this country, government chief of staff and head of public service Felix Koskei has said.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at Machakos University recently, he declared war against those involved in the illicit alcohol and drugs trade.
“So, assistant chiefs, chiefs, assistant county commissioners, deputy county commissioners, everybody, including MCAs, governors and MPs, let’s rise up against this so that we can save this generation,” Koskei said.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration cannot sit back and watch the vices wipe away citizens, especially the youth.
“We can even turn them towards digital space so that they can work and earn wisely instead of leaving them to the devil himself,” Koskei said.
“I urge all of you, let’s not relent, surrender and retreat. Let’s keep on fighting to ensure that those people who are peddling drugs, selling illicit brew and second-rated alcohol laced with poison are arrested, arraigned and charged in court.
“We need to know where they are keeping those poisonous drugs and cigarettes,” he said.
He said some people were selling illicit drugs like bhang in disguise as cigarettes.
“Some of those cigars some people sell aren’t normal cigarettes. They have removed all the tobacco and put cannabis sativa inside,” Koskei said.
“Let’s be very vigilant and save our generation so that they can also have a chance to contribute in the country’s economy and leading this country.”
On corruption, Koskei said President William Ruto was committed to ending the problem.
“Let’s stop corruption in schools, police stations, markets, roads, county government offices and everywhere. We must ensure no corruption,” he said.
“We can’t agree with citizens paying taxes only for them to be stolen by corrupt individuals,” Koskei said.
“All public servants should know that anybody getting involved in corruption, your days are numbered. We want to request all of us to join hands against corruption.”
Koskei exuded confidence that the government will win the war against corruption.