NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the government to continue efforts to combat illicit alcohol and drug abuse among the youth, stressing that these issues threaten the potential of the next generation.
Speaking at a church service in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, Gachagua appealed to government leaders to sustain the campaign he and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, initiated during his tenure.
The former deputy president said this crusade against illegal substances is critical to the future of Kenya’s youth, whom he referred to as “the country’s future leaders.”
“I plead with the government—even if I’m not in office—to continue the campaign that my spouse and I started. We must save our youth from the grips of illicit brew and drug abuse,” Gachagua said.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi echoed his sentiments, sharing that during their campaign, they helped over 1,200 young people seek treatment in rehabilitation centers.
She affirmed her commitment to advocating for young men, whom she described as crucial to the nation’s future.
“I will keep fighting and advocating for the boy child, even out of office. Without them, we have no country,” she said.
Gachagua was notably outspoken in his anti-illicit brew stance while in office, particularly in Kenya’s Mt. Kenya region, where the vice has affected many communities.
His advocacy has been credited with prompting increased awareness and community action.
In a related comment, Gachagua touched on recent political tensions surrounding his impeachment.
He emphasized that Mt. Kenya residents hold no grudges but wish for peaceful coexistence to allow the country’s economy to thrive.
“If you must express yourself, do it with songs and dance. We have no bitterness towards anyone—that’s who we are as a people,” he remarked.
Several leaders accompanied Gachagua at the church service, including Embakasi Central MP John Gakuya, Laikipia MP Cate Waruguru, Embakasi East MP Benjamin Mejjadonk, and Kajiado South MP Samuel Sakimba, all of whom have shown support for his stance on youth issues.
Speaking at a church service in Kahawa West, Nairobi County, Gachagua appealed to government leaders to sustain the campaign he and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, initiated during his tenure.
The former deputy president said this crusade against illegal substances is critical to the future of Kenya’s youth, whom he referred to as “the country’s future leaders.”
“I plead with the government—even if I’m not in office—to continue the campaign that my spouse and I started. We must save our youth from the grips of illicit brew and drug abuse,” Gachagua said.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi echoed his sentiments, sharing that during their campaign, they helped over 1,200 young people seek treatment in rehabilitation centers.
She affirmed her commitment to advocating for young men, whom she described as crucial to the nation’s future.
“I will keep fighting and advocating for the boy child, even out of office. Without them, we have no country,” she said.
Gachagua was notably outspoken in his anti-illicit brew stance while in office, particularly in Kenya’s Mt. Kenya region, where the vice has affected many communities.
His advocacy has been credited with prompting increased awareness and community action.
In a related comment, Gachagua touched on recent political tensions surrounding his impeachment.
He emphasized that Mt. Kenya residents hold no grudges but wish for peaceful coexistence to allow the country’s economy to thrive.
“If you must express yourself, do it with songs and dance. We have no bitterness towards anyone—that’s who we are as a people,” he remarked.
Several leaders accompanied Gachagua at the church service, including Embakasi Central MP John Gakuya, Laikipia MP Cate Waruguru, Embakasi East MP Benjamin Mejjadonk, and Kajiado South MP Samuel Sakimba, all of whom have shown support for his stance on youth issues.
