Residents of Sabatia Sub County in Vihiga County have been urged to act responsibly and desist from consuming illicit brew and abusing drugs, which authorities say are fuelling crime, family breakdowns and underdevelopment in the area.
Speaking in his office on Friday during the launch of the 100-day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) targeting drug and substance abuse, illicit brew and the rise of criminal gangs, Sabatia Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr. Festus Munyao called on residents to shun criminal activities and support government efforts to restore order and social stability.
Mr. Munyao said addressing the menace of illicit brew and drug abuse requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), religious leaders, boda boda operators, health professionals and civil servants.
“We should all take our responsibilities seriously in order to curb illicit brew and drug and substance abuse. I am concerned that some people even use chemicals meant to preserve dead bodies and add them to illicit brew, putting innocent lives at risk. Doctors and health professionals must also take responsibility,” Munyao said.
He challenged religious leaders to intensify guidance and counselling programmes, especially targeting youth, women and men, to sensitise them on the dangers of illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse.
The Deputy County Commissioner expressed concern that some public officers, who are expected to be role models, have themselves fallen victim to alcohol abuse.
“It is worrying to find officers already drunk in the morning, staggering in offices. What moral authority will such officers have when arresting offenders?” he posed.
Mr. Munyao noted that illicit brew, drug abuse and the emergence of criminal gangs have significantly contributed to the breakdown of family and community structures in the region. He added that such vices derail development efforts, as affected families struggle economically and socially.
“In these situations, development stalls and children suffer the most because parents neglect their responsibilities,” he said.
He further lamented that drug and alcohol abuse have led to the collapse of many families, rendering men irresponsible, causing them to abandon their duties and, in some cases, their spouses and children.
The DCC warned members of rising criminal gangs, including the group popularly known as the “42 Brothers”, that security agencies are closely monitoring their activities.
“Their days are numbered. If they do not reform, they will be arrested and charged accordingly,” Munyao cautioned.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the multi-agency security team to implement the Rapid Result Initiative and restore safety, discipline and social order in Sabatia Sub County.
Mr. Munyao urged residents to cooperate with authorities by reporting illicit brew dens, drug peddlers and criminal gangs, noting that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through community involvement.
By Maureen Imbayi
