A fresh political rift has emerged between leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, centered on claims of the government’s involvement in the spread of illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region. Gachagua’s allies have issued a joint statement accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of negligence in combating illicit brews, sparking a heated exchange between the two factions.
The controversy began when PS Omollo dismissed allegations made by Gachagua, describing his remarks as selfish and politically motivated. In response, Gachagua’s allies, primarily legislators operating under the banner of Sauti ya Wakenya, have defended the former DP and demanded accountability from the government regarding its policies on alcohol regulation.
Allegations Against PS Omollo
In their statement, the legislators questioned the effectiveness of government efforts to tackle illicit brews during and after Gachagua’s tenure in office. They argued that during his time as Deputy President, there had been significant progress in eliminating the production and distribution of illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region. However, they claimed that since Gachagua’s exit, the situation has worsened.
The leaders further called for transparency from PS Omollo, specifically requesting public disclosure of companies involved in the production and distribution of 2nd-generation alcohol. They demanded clarity on the vetting process for the 29 companies reportedly dealing in such products and insisted that the PS provide detailed information about the 15 firms that have been licensed to sell these alcoholic beverages.
“The PS should confirm whether the 13 companies he recently licensed were meant to sell exclusively in the Mt. Kenya region and if he vetted these ones entirely by himself,” the statement read. The leaders expressed concerns about whether these companies’ operations were being monitored to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid harm to local communities.
PS Omollo’s Response
PS Omollo responded to the accusations during a press briefing, strongly condemning Gachagua’s claims. He described the former DP’s remarks as reckless and accused him of politicizing a sensitive issue for personal gain. “The allegations made by the impeached former Deputy President Mr. Rigathi Gachagua are not only misleading but also a disservice to the ongoing fight against illicit alcohol,” Omollo stated.
Omollo further argued that Gachagua’s comments trivialized the struggles of families affected by counterfeit alcohol. He emphasized that the government has been taking significant steps to combat the issue, but the claims made by Gachagua undermined these efforts. “It is in bad faith and disingenuous to make such baseless accusations, especially on a matter that has deeply impacted families and communities,” he added.
The PS also warned that such remarks could amount to incitement and breach of the law, urging leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements.
Political Implications
This altercation has reignited tensions within the political landscape, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, a critical stronghold in Kenya’s politics. The region has long been plagued by the issue of illicit alcohol, with local leaders frequently calling for government intervention. Gachagua’s allies appear to be leveraging this concern to challenge the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem.
On the other hand, Omollo’s strong rebuttal underscores the government’s stance that it is actively addressing the crisis, while accusing Gachagua of playing politics with a sensitive issue. The Interior PS’s remarks reflect a broader effort by the government to defend its policies and discredit critics.
Call for Accountability
As the debate continues, both sides agree on the need for a sustained fight against illicit brews, but they remain sharply divided on the government’s approach and accountability. The call for transparency and detailed action plans from the Interior Ministry will likely intensify as affected communities demand solutions to the long-standing problem.
The unfolding political battle highlights the intersection of governance, public safety, and political rivalry, leaving many to watch closely for further developments in this contentious issue.
