Dagoretti South residents demonstrate on Monday, October 1, 2026 over high levels of alcoholism in the area. Photo/SAMMY KIMATU
BY SAMMY KIMATU
Residents of Dagoretti South Constituency in Nairobi County have urged the national government to declare alcohol abuse a national disaster following a reported rise in deaths among young people linked to illicit brews.
They said the problem had reached alarming levels across the constituency’s five wards despite ongoing enforcement by police, chiefs and other local administrators targeting illegal brewing dens and unlicensed wine and spirit outlets.
According to the residents, the drinks have become increasingly accessible, with several youths, both male and female, allegedly losing their lives after consuming them.
Concerned parents, particularly mothers who said they had endured the pain of losing their children, joined a peaceful demonstration to demand urgent intervention from authorities.
The demonstration began at Gabby Centre in Kabiria on Monday October 1, and proceeded towards Waithaka, where residents identified several establishments they accused of selling the drinks.
“We are holding a peaceful demonstration and have given those selling these drinks, as well as landlords who rent out premises to such businesses, seven days’ notice to stop,” the residents said.
They warned that failure to heed their demands could lead to further community action, while calling on authorities to enforce the law and shut down establishments operating illegally.
The residents also expressed concern over the impact of alcohol abuse on families and the community, saying the local burial site in Waithaka had received an increasing number of young people whose deaths they associate with the vice.
“Our community burial site at Waithaka is full of young youths from Dagoretti South who died due to this vice,” they said.
DCC opens hotline to report illegal outlets
Dagoretti South Deputy County Commissioner Jared Ratemo said he had opened a hotline through which residents can send photos or messages about illegal alcohol outlets and premises selling alcohol outside the permitted hours.
“This will enable my officers to respond quickly. Dagoretti South administration and other multi-agency teams will ensure we work together to make the sub-county free of fake alcoholic drinks,” he said.
The residents said the problem should no longer be viewed as one affecting Dagoretti South alone, but as a wider national concern requiring coordinated action by the national and county governments, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
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They urged the government to strengthen enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and retailers of illegal alcoholic drinks, while increasing public awareness and support for young people affected by alcohol abuse.
“This is not a Dagoretti South affair but has now gripped the whole country. We appeal to the national government to declare it a national disaster in order to save our future generation,” the residents said.
They vowed to sustain pressure on authorities to enforce the law and protect young people from the effects of alcohol abuse.
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