Dorcas Rigathi wants bars near schools shut to curb d**g a*******n
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s spouse Dorcas Rigathi has urged county governments to come up with elaborate measures to fight alcoholism among youths.
Addressing some 600 reformed addicts from Witeithie, Juja, Kalimoni and Theta wards in Juja, Kiambu county, Mrs Rigathi maintained that liquor outlets should not be opened near schools or churches adding that rise in number of bars in villages and towns has led to alcohol addiction among youths across the country.
“County governments have a role to play in rehabilitation and transformation of alcohol and drugs addicts by facilitating construction of rehabilitation centres at ward levels,” Mrs Rigathi stated.
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She revealed that reformed addicts will be enrolled in technical institutes where they will be equipped with vital skills that will enable them become productive members of the society.
“The adoption of community-based reform centres is key in the rehabilitation of the children who abuse drugs and alcohol and help them transform their lives,” she asserted.
Mrs Gachagua also hailed Dr Jane Nyutu of Mount Kenya University and Rev Jane Gichuki of Juja for working tirelessly to reform youth and drive them from alcoholism and drug addiction.
Kalimoni ward MCA Godfrey Mucheke promised youths who may have lost their teeth as a result of drunkenness that he would have them repaired only on condition they abandon their wayward habit.
“I know many have lost their teeth as a result of too much consumption of illicit brews and consequent fights. If you quit the habit, I will have your dental formula fixed at my cost,” Mucheke told the meeting.
Mucheke said the county government under Governor Kimani Wamatangi has initiated programmes to help thousands of youth start poultry and pig farming as a way to earn a living.
The event was convened by clergymen led by Rev Jane Gichuki of Dhamana ya Jamii organisation in efforts to help youths from the area reform from alcoholism and drug addiction.
Rev Gichuki said already she has recruited 620 youths from the area whom she intends to take through rehabilitation and help them get into gainful employment with the support of government.
