Githunguri MP aspirant Njenga Mabati has stepped into the fight against illicit drugs and brews in Gakoe, following growing concern among residents over deaths linked to the vice.
Mabati, working alongside members of the public, led an operation in Kianjogu village that resulted in the recovery of two sacks of bhang and five containers of chang’aa. The intervention comes in the wake of public outcry after a series of deaths reportedly associated with the consumption of illicit alcohol in the area.
According to Mabati, the situation has reached alarming levels, with drugs and illegal brews continuing to wreak havoc in communities across the Mt Kenya region. He expressed concern that despite repeated complaints from residents, the response from authorities has been slow and insufficient.
“The community is hurting. Lives are being lost, and families are being destroyed, yet the response has not been as swift as expected,” he said.
Residents who participated in the recovery exercise echoed similar sentiments, calling for urgent and sustained action to curb the spread of illicit substances. They noted that the availability of cheap and dangerous brews has contributed to rising health complications and social problems within the community.
The recovered bhang and chang’aa highlight the scale of the problem, with locals claiming that such substances are easily accessible, especially to the youth. Community members have now urged security agencies to intensify operations and dismantle networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Mabati also called for stronger collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and local communities to address the crisis effectively. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach that includes prevention, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
The incident has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing challenge of illicit brews in parts of Kiambu County and the wider Mt Kenya region. Leaders and residents alike are now demanding accountability and decisive action to protect lives and restore order.
As pressure mounts, attention now shifts to security agencies and relevant authorities to take firm steps in tackling the issue and ensuring such incidents are not repeated.
