23 Mt Kenya Leaders Back Gachagua, Demand Answers on Illicit Alcohol Surge: “The Evidence is in Shopping Centres”

NAIROBI, Kenya – A group of 23 leaders from the Mt. Kenya region has issued a statement criticizing the government’s response to claims of a surge in illicit alcohol, following remarks by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The leaders have accused the government of failing to address the resurgence, which they claim threatens the social fabric of their communities.

The controversy began when Gachagua alleged that illicit brews, which he says were nearly eradicated during his tenure in office, have returned to the region.

He attributed this resurgence to directives from President William Ruto, permitting the production, distribution, and sale of the dangerous beverages.

In a statement, the leaders, including MPs, senators, and other political figures, demanded a comprehensive response from Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, who they say sidestepped critical issues in his recent public remarks.

The leaders outlined several questions they believe the government has failed to address:

1. Past Success vs. Current Failure: They want clarification on whether the government’s anti-illicit alcohol campaign had succeeded under Gachagua, and if so, why the brews have resurfaced.

2. Licensing Transparency: The leaders called for the publication of detailed information about the 29 companies involved in the production of second-generation alcohol, including the vetting process and locations. They also demanded clarity on the 15 licensed and 14 unlicensed companies, urging the government to name and shame any illegal operators.

3. Accountability for Losses: With reports of deaths linked to illicit alcohol, the leaders accused the government of minimizing the crisis by only acknowledging fatalities in Nakuru County while ignoring other regions, particularly Mt. Kenya.

The leaders also rejected Omollo’s characterization of Gachagua’s statements as “irresponsible,” arguing that the Deputy President has a duty to speak out.

They emphasized that Gachagua remains the elected Deputy President, and his removal from office is still under legal dispute.

“The resurgence of these killer brews is a national tragedy. Gachagua is fulfilling his responsibility to call out what millions of Kenyans see as a betrayal of the government’s promises,” the statement read.

The leaders painted a grim picture of the effects of illicit alcohol, saying it destroys families and communities and disproportionately affects the Mt. Kenya region.

They accused the Ruto administration of reversing progress made in the fight against illicit brews, calling the decision “evil and irresponsible.”

The group urged Kenyans to scrutinize the government’s actions, calling on the public to gather evidence of illicit alcohol sales in local shopping centers to highlight the gravity of the issue.

The leaders’ statement concluded with a plea for national unity against illicit alcohol, framing the fight as a moral imperative to safeguard lives and livelihoods.