NAIROBI, Kenya – Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has accused Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo of dismissing critical concerns over the resurgence of illicit alcohol in Mt. Kenya and other regions.
In a statement, the senator expressed disappointment over what he termed as the PS’s focus on “character attacks” instead of offering meaningful solutions to a crisis that continues to tear apart families and livelihoods.
“It is both amusing and disappointing that a matter as dire as the rise of illicit alcohol is met with trivialization and deflection. This menace demands urgent, serious, and constructive action from such a senior office,” Thang’wa said in a press release dated December 23, 2024.
The senator defended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s earlier remarks on the issue, dismissing claims that they were politically motivated.
Instead, he pointed out that during Gachagua’s tenure as a national leader, Kenya witnessed significant strides in reducing the production and consumption of illicit brews—a legacy he claims has been undermined by inaction.
“While the Deputy President has remained focused on the issue, progress is now seemingly reversed. Honest evaluation, not dismissive rhetoric, is what this crisis demands,” the statement read.
Thang’wa posed three critical questions to the government, urging it to provide clarity on measures to curb illicit alcohol production:
What specific steps are in place to ensure the 25-point enforcement program effectively suppresses the production and distribution of illicit alcohol?
What actions are being taken to address the resurgence of illicit brews in regions such as Mt. Kenya?
How are national and local enforcement officers collaborating to ensure accountability and eliminate loopholes that facilitate the illegal trade?
The senator underscored that these questions reflect the frustrations of families who continue to suffer as leaders prioritize political squabbles over solutions.
Thang’wa emphasized that the time for symbolic gestures and empty rhetoric is over, calling on both the PS and other key government leaders to tackle the issue head-on.
He noted that only through collaboration and decisive action can Kenya address the scourge of illicit brews and prevent further loss of life.
“It is the responsibility of the PS, his CS, and the President to lead the charge against this menace. Empty statements will do nothing for the families who continue to grieve and suffer,” the senator said.
In a statement, the senator expressed disappointment over what he termed as the PS’s focus on “character attacks” instead of offering meaningful solutions to a crisis that continues to tear apart families and livelihoods.
“It is both amusing and disappointing that a matter as dire as the rise of illicit alcohol is met with trivialization and deflection. This menace demands urgent, serious, and constructive action from such a senior office,” Thang’wa said in a press release dated December 23, 2024.
The senator defended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s earlier remarks on the issue, dismissing claims that they were politically motivated.
Instead, he pointed out that during Gachagua’s tenure as a national leader, Kenya witnessed significant strides in reducing the production and consumption of illicit brews—a legacy he claims has been undermined by inaction.
“While the Deputy President has remained focused on the issue, progress is now seemingly reversed. Honest evaluation, not dismissive rhetoric, is what this crisis demands,” the statement read.
Thang’wa posed three critical questions to the government, urging it to provide clarity on measures to curb illicit alcohol production:
What specific steps are in place to ensure the 25-point enforcement program effectively suppresses the production and distribution of illicit alcohol?
What actions are being taken to address the resurgence of illicit brews in regions such as Mt. Kenya?
How are national and local enforcement officers collaborating to ensure accountability and eliminate loopholes that facilitate the illegal trade?
The senator underscored that these questions reflect the frustrations of families who continue to suffer as leaders prioritize political squabbles over solutions.
Thang’wa emphasized that the time for symbolic gestures and empty rhetoric is over, calling on both the PS and other key government leaders to tackle the issue head-on.
He noted that only through collaboration and decisive action can Kenya address the scourge of illicit brews and prevent further loss of life.
“It is the responsibility of the PS, his CS, and the President to lead the charge against this menace. Empty statements will do nothing for the families who continue to grieve and suffer,” the senator said.
