Kudos to approach by DP’s spouse on drugs
By Editorial.Team, April 9, 2024The spouse of Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has been traversing parts of Mt Kenya region, presiding over the graduation of people rehabilitated from alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.
Unlike political events that are awash with politicians and journalists, Pastor Dorcasi has conducted her programmes without attracting much attention, save for a few occasions when her press team dispatches statements to newsrooms.
As she undertakes her noble mission to ensure the rehabilitation of individuals hooked to the bottle, dope and other substances to enable them start leading a better life, the government has been using all machinery to crack down on the addicts.
Whereas Pastor Dorcas seems to have acknowledged the fact that alcoholism, drug addiction and substance abuseare diseases that require a holistic approach, the government, in which her husband serves as the second in command, has deployed an iron-fist approach to the problem.
Instead of deploying the thousands of security officers and National Administration Officers to deal with the alcoholism and drugs addiction menace, President William Ruto’s administration needs to borrow a leaf from Pastor Dorcas.
The prevalence of alcoholism and drug abuse in Kenya today is as a result of the prevailing economic situation. Kenyans are more stressed than ever before, leading them to become hooked to the bottle and drugs.
Dealing with the problem through aggression will not address the issue since at the end of the day, the addicts would remain even after the closure of the drinking dens and production outlets.
It is a high time the government embarked on the construction of rehabilitation centres to deal with alcoholism and drug abuse.
Those who have suffered from addiction know how hard it can be to overcome it alone, and the healing environment of rehabilitation offers the support needed to make a successful recovery.
In addition to conquering one’s addiction, those attending treatment will also learn the tools necessary for building a healthy and productive life.
As a matter of priority, the national government in conjunction with the counties, must therefore establish rehabilitation centres. Currently, rehabilitation centres are the preserve of private institutions that charge an arm and a leg.
To successfully win this war, the government must consider embracing Pastor Dorcas holistic approach instead of the militaristic style it has apparently adopted.