Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleging that the government is intentionally targeting the Mt. Kenya region with illicit alcohol distribution.
In a strongly worded statement, PS Omollo dismissed Gachagua’s remarks as politically driven and reckless.
“The State Department of Internal Security and National Administration condemns the irresponsible statements made by the impeached former Deputy President, Mr. Rigathi Gachagua, during a church service yesterday. He accused the government of deliberately targeting citizens in the Mt. Kenya region with the distribution of illicit and counterfeit alcohol,” Omollo said.
He termed the allegations as not only misleading but also insensitive to the families affected by the devastating impact of illicit alcohol.
“It is disingenuous for Mr. Gachagua, who once served at the highest office in this country, to make such baseless claims on a matter that affects families and communities so deeply,” the PS added.
Gachagua had made the remarks during a church service in Nakuru on Sunday, accusing the government of failing to address the scourge of illicit alcohol in Mt. Kenya.
PS Omollo, however, emphasized that the government neither produces nor distributes alcohol, terming Gachagua’s allegations as inflammatory and unfounded.
“It is unacceptable for such a grave national issue to be trivialized by one individual, on a church podium no less, without showing empathy for families grappling with this crisis,” Omollo stated. “The suggestion that any executive directive could involve the sale of illicit alcohol is not only mischievous but also illegal.”
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He urged Gachagua to take lawful steps if he genuinely seeks to address the issue, including submitting evidence to investigative and enforcement agencies for proper action.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding communities and protecting children from the dangers of illicit substances. We call on all Kenyans to join hands during this festive season to combat this menace and support affected families,” Omollo concluded.
