Rehabilitated alcoholics launch anti-illicit brew campaign

A group of rehabilitated alcoholics from Githabai in Kinangop, Nyandarua County has launched an ambitious campaign of fighting illicit brew in the villages.

On Saturday, the group held a six-kilometre walk to sensitize consumers of illicit brew of the dangers of being hooked to the addictive habit.

The walk organized by a self help group known as Punguza Kamwenywezo and the local administration saw the rehabilitated drinkers raise funds to support their cattle rearing project.

“We have already managed to purchase a parcel of land where we want to set up a zero grazing business,” said the chairperson, Lucy Kwamboka.

She said they had already registered 150 members and were targeting more than 900 others to join the group.

The chairperson said the main aim was to enable the rehabilitated drinkers earn an honest living after a change in habit.

“I now have a baby boy whom I have named Uhuru Kenyatta in respect of the Head of State who ordered a crackdown on the illicit brew,” said Peter Chege Mwangi, a former alcoholic.

The local MCA, Peter Kairu, said he supported the initiative by the rehabilitated group, terming it a “noble course.”

Githabai area was one of the hardest hit by the sale and consumption of the second generation brews and illicit liquor.