DALLAS, US — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about his past drinking habits, saying alcohol once affected the progress of his life before he quit drinking with the encouragement of his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua.
Gachagua made the remarks during an engagement with Kenyans in the United States as he renewed his call for tougher action against drug abuse, illicit alcohol and excessive drinking in Kenya.
“I have some little experience (with alcohol) because I used to drink before I got saved,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua Credits Dorcas for Helping Him Quit
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader credited his wife with persuading him to stop drinking and said his life improved after he gave up alcohol.
“And I want to thank her because since she talked me out of it, I have really succeeded. Mambo yangu ilikua inakwama sana,” he said.
Gachagua said his drinking was largely limited to Fridays and Saturdays, between 5pm and 11pm.
“But she can tell you, I only used to drink on Friday and Saturday, two days,” he said.
He used the experience to explain why he believes alcohol abuse can have wider consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
Gachagua Targets Cheap Alcohol
Gachagua said Kenya was facing a serious problem from the availability of cheap alcohol, particularly products sold in small quantities and shared among several people.
He singled out a drink he referred to as “Gathuri”, which he said is sold in a packet of about 50 millilitres for Sh50.
“And it’s instant. The first guy takes a sip, gives a second guy. The second guy gives a third. By the time the third guy gets it, the first guy is down,” he said.
Gachagua described the impact of excessive drinking as painful for families and communities.
“It’s so painful to our parents, to our women, to everybody,” he said, adding that he believed Kenya had previously made progress in addressing the problem.
Former DP Revives Alcohol Crackdown Message
Gachagua said his campaign against alcohol and drug abuse was not new, pointing to measures he pursued while serving as Deputy President.
He has previously said the government made progress in combating illicit alcohol in parts of the country during his tenure, while calling for continued enforcement against illegal brews and drug trafficking.
His latest remarks come as he campaigns on a broader platform that includes tackling substance abuse and regulating alcohol consumption.
Gachagua Wants Drinking Hours Restricted
Gachagua has proposed restricting the operating hours of drinking establishments if he is elected president.
He has said bars should be allowed to operate only between 5pm and 11pm, arguing that Kenya should not have establishments serving alcohol throughout the day.
“We will also regulate drinking out. Kenya is the only country where people drink for 24 hours,” he said.
He has also pledged to make the fight against narcotics a priority and has said his proposed administration would seek to prevent hard drugs from entering Kenya.
Political Goodwill Needed, Gachagua Says
Gachagua said tackling drug trafficking and excessive alcohol consumption would require political goodwill as well as firm action by security agencies.
