Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo
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During a church service in Nakuru, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of deliberately targeting the Mt. Kenya region with illicit alcohol.
His statements have sparked a backlash from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who characterizes Gachagua's claims as selfish and politically motivated. In a statement, Omollo condemns Gachagua's allegations as reckless and disingenuous, emphasizing that it is inappropriate for someone who previously held a significant government position to make such serious accusations regarding an issue that deeply affects numerous families.
“The state Department of Internal Security and National Administration wishes to condemn the reckless statements made by the impeached former Deputy President Mr. Rigathi Gachagua in a church service he attended yesterday, accusing the government of deliberately targeting citizens of Kenya in the Mt. Kenya region with illicit and counterfeit alcohol distribution,” he said.
He clarifies that the government does not engage in the production, distribution, or retailing of alcoholic beverages, describing any insinuation to the contrary as mischievous and illegal. Omollo further criticizes Gachagua for undermining a critical national issue without demonstrating sensitivity toward families impacted by illicit and counterfeit alcohol.
“While it is clear for every citizen to see that this is a selfish politically motivated inflammatory statement, it is also obvious that the government does not produce, distribute nor retail any alcoholic drinks. Insinuating that any executive can direct the sale of any alcohol, whether poisonous or not is mischievous and misconceived and would amount to illegality,” Omollo added.
He urges Gachagua to report his claims to the relevant authorities and provide factual evidence if his intention is genuinely to protect Kenyans from the perils associated with such substances. In his address, Omollo calls for national unity, urging all Kenyans to collaborate in safeguarding their communities and shielding children from harmful substances, particularly during the approaching festive season. He highlights the need for a collective effort to tackle the issue of illicit alcohol and its societal implications.
Morara Kebaso, the founder and leader of the Inject Party, has expressed support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's recent assertions regarding the increase of toxic alcoholic beverages in the Mount Kenya region. Kebaso credits these issues to the actions of state operatives, highlighting a concerning trend that has contributed to fatalities in the area.
Gachagua's comments, which attributed the rise in illicit brews to government negligence, resonates with Kebaso who remarked on social media that despite differing views on many political matters, he believes Gachagua’s claims are accurate.
"There has been a deliberate effort by state cabals to allow and encourage the manufacture, distribution, and sale of poisonous alcohol in the Mount Kenya region," Kebaso stated.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, he mentioned observing this problem in Kiambu County during his university years and recently in the Ndeiya area. Kebaso further asserted that individuals within the Ministry of Interior and Vigilance House, including lower-level staff, are aware of the ongoing sale and consumption of harmful alcohol in the region.