Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua speaks during aa diaspora caucus in Dallas, Texas, USA./HANDOUT
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a warning to 53 companies he accuses of manufacturing and distributing illicit alcohol.
Gachagua says they will face closure if the United Opposition takes power after next year’s general election.
The DCP leader made the remarks while hosting a diaspora caucus in Dallas, Texas, where he accused the companies of producing alcoholic products that are putting the lives of Kenyans, particularly young people, at risk.
He also alleged that some of the firms have been able to continue operating by bribing senior government officials.
The former Deputy President said an administration led by the opposition would intensify the fight against illicit alcohol and hard drugs.
“Within one month, we’ll shut down those 53 companies that are manufacturing killer brews, I want to put those owners on notice, make as much as you can between now and then,” he said.
Gachagua further warned the manufacturers that their businesses would not be allowed to continue if his political camp takes control of government.
“Try tea, coffee, avocado, and tourism, but that business of killer brews would not take place within the borders of the Republic of Kenya next year ... We shall not allow hard drugs, cocaine, cannabis without our borders,” he said.
Gachagua has previously raised concerns over the spread of illicit alcohol, particularly in Central Kenya, where he had spearheaded campaigns against the brews while serving as Deputy President.
“Since I was removed from office, all the bad alcohol has been reintroduced to the mountain to destroy our people and reduce voter numbers. Chiefs have been told to look the other way, and the youth are being targeted,” Gachagua said at the time.
He also accused the government of failing to sustain the fight against illicit alcohol, saying the situation had worsened the social and economic challenges facing communities in Central Kenya.
The claims drew a response from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who criticised Gachagua for what he described as trivialising a serious national problem.
“We take great exception that such grave national matters can be trivialised by one individual, on a church podium nonetheless, without empathy for the families that may be struggling with this crisis,” Omollo said.
He also defended government officials involved in combating illicit alcohol and drugs.
