Ruiru leaders call for tough action against illicit alcohol

By Lawrence Ongaro

The government will crack down on illicit alcohol brewers following the deaths of many young people linked to the consumption of the illegal brew.

Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too urged residents to prioritise their health by maintaining proper hygiene at all times.

He also encouraged young people to work hard and become self-reliant instead of engaging in mobile phone theft.

“Nowadays, mobile phone prices have gone down and there is no need to engage in such theft. It is better to work hard and become self-reliant,” Mr Too said.

He spoke on Tuesday, October 20, during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ruiru Boys Secondary School.

The deputy commissioner warned that anyone found operating an illicit alcohol business would be arrested and taken to court.

Ruiru parliamentary aspirant engineer Sammy Onyango urged the government to address the needs of young people, noting that many were unemployed.

“If young people have nothing to do, they will undoubtedly turn to illicit alcohol, which poses a danger to their lives,” Mr Onyango said.

Ebola preparedness

On the Ebola situation, Mr Onyango urged residents to remain vigilant by observing proper hygiene, particularly through regular handwashing, and being aware of their neighbours.

He advised residents to visit hospitals whenever they suspected they had contracted a fever-related illness.

Ruiru parliamentary aspirant Engineer Sammy Onyango addressing journalists. Photo by Lawrence Ongaro.

Although Ebola had been identified in the country, Mr Onyango said the government needed to prepare adequately by providing doctors and nurses with specialised medical equipment and training on how to manage the disease.

The aspirant also called on the government to intensify the fight against illicit alcohol, which he said had claimed the lives of many young people.

Students from Ruiru Girls High School entertaining residents during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Ruiru town. Photo by Lawrence Ongaro.

“Those operating this business have no regard for human life. It has emerged that they are selling poison to our young people while claiming it is legitimate alcohol,” Mr Onyango said.

He attributed the growing consumption of illicit alcohol among young people partly to a lack of meaningful economic activities.

He called for tough government action against those involved in the illegal trade.

High taxes blamed for factory closures

Mr Onyango also blamed high taxes imposed by the government for the closure of several factories in Ruiru town.

“Ruiru alone has about 100 factories, many of which had employed large numbers of young people. However, these young people are now unemployed following the closure of the factories,” he said.

He added that the closures had left many young people impoverished and struggling to find alternative sources of livelihood.

During the celebrations, village elders from Ruiru said they would continue working with the government to address grassroots issues affecting residents.