NAIVASHA, Kenya – Kikuyu elders have expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of illicit alcohol and drug abuse in Central Kenya, warning that the trend is destabilizing families and threatening the well-being of the region’s youth.
Speaking at Club Heritage Hotel in Naivasha, at the conclusion of a three-day consultative meeting, elders under the banners of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, Kiama Kiama, and Ndundu ya Athamaki said the surge in substance abuse is largely fueled by the increased availability of illicit brews.
They linked the problem to rising cases of broken homes, street children, and a general decline in moral values.
Ng’ang’a Nene, the Council’s National Secretary, described the situation as particularly dire in agriculturally rich areas, where many unemployed youths have turned to drugs and alcohol.
“We are deeply concerned about the rise in addiction, especially among young people in Central Kenya,” Nene said. “The issue is contributing significantly to the collapse of marriages and the erosion of traditional family structures.”
The elders pledged to work with both county and national governments to find sustainable solutions and restore social order.
Their meeting coincided with the government’s 100-day Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) to combat illicit alcohol nationwide.
Cultural Guidance and Leadership Gap
The gathering also addressed a long-delayed leadership transition within the Kikuyu cultural structure, which has been stalled for over 80 years.
Elders argued that the absence of mentorship and cultural guidance has left young people disconnected from their heritage.
“Our youth are in darkness when it comes to our traditions and values,” Nene said. “We are coming together as elders to provide leadership and preserve our cultural identity.”
Kigochi wa Waimeri, the Community Director of Culture, emphasized that the council’s efforts are non-political and primarily focused on restoring cultural values and addressing societal threats.
Dr. Nyamu Njoka, a senior elder, decried the influence of “foreign and ungodly practices,” including same-sex marriage and drug abuse, describing them as contrary to Kikuyu traditions.
“We have unanimously agreed to safeguard our cultural heritage against practices that threaten to dismantle the moral fabric of our society,” Dr. Njoka said. “Unity among elders is key in guiding the next generation.”
The council resolved to strengthen community engagement and called for an inclusive cultural revival to tackle the growing social and moral challenges facing the Kikuyu community and the country at large.
