Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to chiefs and assistant chiefs to protect his hard-fought programme of tackling illicit brew in the country.
Speaking in Limuru where he attended a funeral ceremony on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Gachagua pleaded with the administrative officers to continue with the war on getting rid of illicit brew which he noted poses a great risk to the boychild.
The embattled political premier argued he had invested a lot of his time and efforts towards addressing the issue and bringing down the number of deaths recorded from illicit brew consumption.
According to the impeached DP, the programme should continue irrespective of the outcome of his impeachment process which is currently before a three-judge bench.
“Chiefs and assistants chiefs tafadhali, msikubali hii pombe ilikuwa inauwa watoto wetu irudi. Ni kazi kubwa sana tumefanya (Kindly chiefs and assistant chiefs, do not allow the illicit brew that was killing our children to be brought back. We have done a massive job in addressing the issue),” Gachagua stated.
“The boy child is in trouble. You may push Rigathi Gachagua around but please let the work that he did for two years saving the boychild remain,” the impeached second in command pleaded.
In February 2024, Gachagua launched a total war on illicit brew incorporating various ministries including the Interior Ministry led by the newly nominated Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who served in that docket then.
The government then trained chiefs and assistant chiefs and deployed them to help tackle the issue. During the month-long operation, various bars and manufacturers were red-listed and others were ordered to close.
However, in May 2024, Gachagua came out to reveal that some people had approached him to slow down on the crackdown. Gachagua said they are selling subtle threats that those in the sector may fight back to frustrate his political interests in 2027.
“I was not born with the Deputy President seat. I have lived all these years without the seat,” Gachagua stated.
“If I will lose my seat because I am against selling our youths poison, I am ready,” he added.
Gachagua said illicit brews were almost wiped out an entire generation were it not for the government’s recent efforts to rein in the sector. He said the crackdown will continue, adding that no brewers will be allowed to operate before meeting the set standards.
Those who have complied with the government standards will not be affected, he added.
On his impeachment
During the funeral, Gachagua did not delve deeper into his impeachment case hearing. He however expressed confidence that the Judiciary would serve him justice.
At the same time, he appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful irrespective of the outcome.
“We have faith that out Judiciary would uphold the constitution of Kenya and will exercise fairness and give justice to Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters. But I want to ask for peace also for my people of Mt Kenya people, please remain peaceful. Kenya is bigger than all of us, we don’t have another Kenya.
“Irrespective of what will happen, the court process, let our people remain peaceful and build our country. A time will come for us to speak,” Gachagua remarked.
