Murang'a youth give gov't seven days to crack down on illicit brews

The youth staged a peaceful procession from Mukuyu to Murang'a Town, protesting the proliferation of illicit brews and urging young people to shun alcohol abuse.

Led by DCP Murang'a County coordinator Fredrick Karanja, the group called on government agencies responsible for regulating alcoholic drinks to tighten enforcement and stop issuing licences to producers accused of distributing illicit alcohol.

Karanja said the widespread availability of illicit brews in Murang'a and other parts of the Mount Kenya region was putting the lives and livelihoods of young people at risk.

"We are calling on the national government and its regulatory agencies to eliminate illicit brews and stop issuing licences indiscriminately to producers of these harmful drinks," Karanja said.

The protesters also praised DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua for his efforts in campaigning against illicit alcohol, calling for sustained interventions to address the problem.

Murang'a County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports Manoah Gachucha, who addressed the participants, highlighted the county government's efforts to tackle alcohol abuse through youth empowerment initiatives.

Gachucha cited the Murang'a Youth Service programme, which he said provides young people with employment opportunities, business grants and vocational training to reduce their vulnerability to alcohol and substance abuse.

He said the programme draws beneficiaries from all 35 wards in the county, offering financial support to help them establish businesses.

"As the Murang'a County Government, we have established the Murang'a Youth Service programme, through which we recruit young people from all 35 wards, provide them with employment and offer grants, not loans, to help them start businesses," Gacucha said.

According to Gachucha, approximately 10,010 young people have benefited from the initiative, with the county seeking to expand its reach.

He maintained that creating economic opportunities for young people was critical to keeping them away from alcohol and other harmful substances.

The procession comes amid continued concerns over alcohol abuse in the Mount Kenya region, with the protesters calling for stronger enforcement against illicit brews alongside programmes addressing youth unemployment.

The group warned that the government had seven days to take decisive action against the illicit alcohol trade.