Gachagua Accuses Ruto and Kindiki of Failing Mount Kenya as Illegal Alcohol Makes a Comeback

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accusing them of weakening the crackdown on illicit alcohol in the Mount Kenya region.

Gachagua claims that illegal alcoholic brews have returned following his removal from government, with young people allegedly dying every week after consuming dangerous drinks.

His accusations have reignited political tensions between the former deputy president and the leaders currently occupying the country’s top executive positions.

Speaking about the growing problem, Gachagua argued that the campaign against illicit alcohol had made significant progress while he was serving as deputy president.

He maintained that the situation deteriorated after his departure from office, accusing the current administration of failing to maintain the pressure on those involved in the illegal alcohol trade.

The DCP leader specifically pointed fingers at Ruto and Kindiki, suggesting that the government’s approach had allowed dangerous alcoholic products to find their way back into communities.

According to Gachagua, the consequences have been devastating for families, particularly those losing young relatives to suspected alcohol poisoning.

He claimed that families in the Mount Kenya region are being forced to bury young people regularly because of the consumption of illicit brews. His remarks have placed renewed attention on the safety of alcoholic products being manufactured, distributed and sold in the region.

However, the controversy comes at a time when Kindiki has publicly declared that the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate poisonous alcoholic drinks.

On October 2, 2026, the deputy president warned traders involved in selling dangerous beverages that security agencies would pursue them.

He also stressed that the government would not allow anyone to expose Kenyans to poisonous substances disguised as alcoholic drinks.

Kindiki’s position was reinforced by a planned collaboration involving security agencies and regulatory institutions to strengthen enforcement against unsafe alcoholic products.

The disagreement between the two leaders has consequently turned the fight against illicit alcohol into a major political issue in Mount Kenya, especially as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua’s accusations also revive memories of the campaign he led while serving in government, when authorities targeted illegal brewing operations and sought to address substance abuse in affected communities.

For many families, however, the most important concern is not the political disagreement but whether authorities can prevent further deaths associated with dangerous alcoholic drinks.

With Gachagua demanding stronger action and Kindiki promising renewed enforcement, attention will remain on whether the government’s crackdown can deliver lasting results.

Do you agree with Rigathi Gachagua that Ruto and Kindiki have weakened the fight against illicit alcohol in Mount Kenya? Who should take responsibility for protecting young people from poisonous brews? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Source: https://x.com/StandardKenya/status/2117181721732952474?a=I0aXT2R0VQB2YirabyU&s=19

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