State rejects Gachagua's "reckless" claims of government involvement in illicit liquor
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
PS Omollo described the accusations as "reckless" and politically motivated calling on Gachagua to provide any evidence he may have to substantiate his claims.
The Ministry of Interior has condemned remarks made by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, where he accused the government of deliberately targeting citizens in the Mt Kenya region with illicit and counterfeit alcohol.
The Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo in a statement issued on Monday, described the accusations as "reckless" and politically motivated calling on Gachagua to provide any evidence he may have to substantiate his claims.
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He criticised Gachagua's choice to make such serious allegations in a church service, accusing him of trivialising a national crisis that affects families across the country.
"We take great exception that such grave national matters can be trivialized by one individual, on a church podium nonetheless, without empathy for the families that may be struggling with this crisis," Omollo said.
The PS further rejected the notion that government officials, including local chiefs and their assistants, were involved in the distribution of illicit alcohol.
"It is inconceivable that they would preside over what Gachagua accuses them of," he added.
"Mischievous"
Omollo stressed that the government does not produce, distribute, or retail alcohol, stating that insinuating otherwise was "mischievous and misconceived" and would be illegal.
The PS also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to combat the menace of illicit alcohol, which has been a significant contributor to substance misuse in Kenya.
Omollo noted that earlier this year, the government launched a 25-point enforcement program aimed at curbing the manufacture, sale, and distribution of illicit alcohol and narcotics.
A comprehensive vetting process of alcohol manufacturers and distillers was carried out by a multi-agency team, including agencies such as NACADA, KRA, KEBS, and the Anti-Counterfeit Agency, among others.
According to the PS, of the 29 active manufacturers of second-generation alcohol, only two were found fully compliant with regulations.
"It is therefore in bad faith and disingenuous of Gachagua to turn around, after serving this country at the highest office, and lay such ludicrous claims on such a sensitive matter that deeply impacts families and lives," Omollo said.
He also welcomed Gachagua to make formal complaints and provide any evidence to the relevant investigative or enforcement officers, should he have legitimate concerns.
The Interior PS also used the opportunity to remind Kenyans of the dangers posed by illicit alcohol, particularly during the festive season.
He urged the public to work together to safeguard their communities, emphasizing the need for leaders to continue raising awareness and for families and communities to hold one another accountable.
Omollo also called on citizens to report the sale of illicit or suspicious alcohol.
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