• The DP was accompanied by his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi who was the guest preacher.
• Gachagua decried the high cases of alcoholism and drug abuse in the town but glad the church was at the front in the fight.
Image: PCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lauded the church for joining in the fight against alcohol, drug and substance abuse.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the national administration in fighting the menace.
Speaking on Sunday at ACK St. James Cathedral, Kiambu Town, he decried the high cases of alcoholism and drug abuse in the town.
“I thank the church for agreeing to partner with us in the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse, and in establishing rehabilitation centres and also mentoring our youth,” he said.
The DP was accompanied by his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi who was the guest preacher.
Pastor Dorcas challenged the political leaders present to draft legislation, policies and guidelines to protect children from being exposed to addictive psychoactive substances.
“I challenge the leaders here today to formulate policies and guidelines that will remove the sale of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes next to primary and secondary schools. We cannot have biscuits and sweets laced with drugs being sold to our children,” Pastor Dorcas said.
She also urged the church to open its doors and have helplines where men can speak openly about the issues facing them instead of remaining frustrated and resulting in suicide.
The church had a fundraising for the construction of the cathedral with a target of Sh80 million.
The host Bishop Canon Charles Muturi has been at the forefront in fighting addictions and supporting the boy child.
Mount Kenya Diocese under the Bishop holds public events to advocate against alcoholism, urging many to go back to school and desist from alcohol and other drugs.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha on her part urged the county to fight alcoholism and rogue traders brought to book.
She decried sellers who were trading in poisonous drinks and hiding behind court orders.
Majority Leader MP Kimani Ichungwah on his side said they were ready with the affordable housing project and with the land cleared by county, they would start marshalling for the projects to start.
Also present were Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Senator Karungo Thangwa, Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika, Kiambu Town Machua Waithaka, MPs Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central MP), Joseph Cherorot ,(Kipkelion East MP), John Mutunga (Tigania West MP), Julius Melly, (Tinderet MP), Mary Wamaua (Maragua MP), Linet Toto (Bomet Woman Representative), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia Woman Representative), and Wanjiru Mwangi (nominated).