Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has dismissed accusations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the government is targeting the Mt. Kenya region with illicit and counterfeit alcohol. Speaking in response to Gachagua’s claims during a church service in Nakuru, Omollo labeled the remarks as politically driven and reckless.
In a statement released on Monday, Omollo expressed disappointment over Gachagua’s comments, terming them selfish and lacking empathy for the families affected by the menace of illicit alcohol.
“The reckless statements made by the impeached former Deputy President Mr. Rigathi Gachagua in a church service he attended yesterday accuse the government of deliberately targeting citizens in the Mt. Kenya region with illicit and counterfeit alcohol. These allegations are in bad faith and disingenuous,” Omollo said.
He criticized Gachagua for using a church platform to make baseless claims about a sensitive issue, which he argued undermines efforts to combat illicit alcohol in Kenya.
Politically Motivated Statements
Omollo accused Gachagua of politicizing a critical national issue, stating that such remarks could escalate tension and misinformation.
“Turning such a grave national matter into a platform for political theatrics is both mischievous and misconceived. It is also obvious that the government does not produce, distribute, or retail any alcoholic drinks. Insinuating otherwise is inflammatory and could amount to illegality,” he stated.
He further highlighted that as someone who had served at the highest level of government, Gachagua’s remarks were particularly troubling. Omollo said the accusations not only lacked evidence but also jeopardized ongoing efforts to safeguard communities from harmful substances.
Illicit Alcohol: A National Challenge
Omollo emphasized that the issue of illicit alcohol is a nationwide challenge that transcends regional boundaries. He called for unity among Kenyans in addressing the crisis.
“It is worrying that such a sensitive matter is being trivialized without empathy for families who have lost their loved ones to illicit and counterfeit alcohol,” Omollo said.
He added that the government is committed to addressing the problem through enforcement and public awareness campaigns. The Interior PS urged all citizens to cooperate in protecting children and communities from the dangers of harmful substances, especially during the festive season.
Call for Constructive Action
Omollo challenged Gachagua to take appropriate legal steps if he genuinely seeks to address the problem.
“If Gachagua’s true intention is to save the lives of Kenyans from the harm of illicit alcohol, he should file an official complaint and hand over evidence to investigative and enforcement agencies for appropriate action,” he advised.
The PS reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illicit alcohol and counterfeit substances, assuring the public of continued vigilance and enforcement measures.
Reactions from the Public
Gachagua’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting his call for action in the Mt. Kenya region, while others criticized him for what they see as inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims.
Community leaders and stakeholders in the region have called for sober dialogue on addressing the challenges posed by illicit alcohol. They underscored the importance of government collaboration with local leaders to implement sustainable solutions.
The Way Forward
As the debate continues, Omollo’s remarks underscore the government’s stance on illicit alcohol while highlighting the need for collective responsibility. By urging Gachagua to back his claims with evidence, Omollo has reinforced the importance of evidence-based discussions in tackling national challenges.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illicit alcohol, urging citizens to play their part in safeguarding communities and protecting vulnerable populations from the scourge of counterfeit substances.
