Naivasha, Nakuru County – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of enabling the sale of harmful alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region in an alleged effort to reduce voter numbers.
Speaking during a church service in Naivasha on Sunday, December 22, Gachagua recalled his efforts against alcohol and drug abuse in the region during his tenure as Deputy President. He claimed that the current administration was reversing those gains.
“The Interior Security PS was instructed by the President to reopen all those alcohol factories, and they were urged to sell the alcohol exclusively in Mt. Kenya. It is not sold in Rift Valley or anywhere else. Yesterday, three people died in Bahati,” Gachagua alleged.
He further claimed, “Since I was impeached, Ruto directed that all poisonous alcohol be sold in Mt. Kenya to kill our youth. Chiefs and police have been told to allow people to drink and die to reduce the number of voters in this region.”
Gachagua disclosed that he had previously warned President Ruto against reopening alcohol manufacturing companies, but his concerns were dismissed. He described the move as a calculated effort to target the Mountain region’s voter population.
“It is immoral and unacceptable to target a community for destruction through the sale of poison. I had successfully waged the war on alcoholism; it is possible to win this fight again,” he asserted.
The former Deputy President urged President Ruto to visit the Mt. Kenya region and address the concerns raised instead of waiting for tensions to subside.
Ministry of Health Reacts to Illicit Alcohol Tragedy in Nakuru
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has expressed concern over the recent deaths caused by illicit alcohol in Nakuru County. Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni issued a statement following the incident in Bahati, where three individuals lost their lives after consuming unregulated alcohol.
“The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three lives in Nakuru County due to the consumption of illicit alcohol,” said PS Muthoni.
She emphasized the dangers of unregulated alcoholic beverages, noting that they often contain harmful substances such as methanol, which can lead to severe health consequences, including blindness, organ damage, and even death.
The Ministry has urged Kenyans to purchase only legally registered and licensed alcoholic products that meet safety standards. “Avoid purchasing alcohol from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Be wary of suspiciously cheap or counterfeit products,” Muthoni advised.
Additionally, the Ministry encouraged responsible alcohol consumption, particularly during the festive season, warning against excessive drinking.
