Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has strongly criticized Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accusing him of shielding powerful second-generation alcohol manufacturers who have flooded the market with dangerous drinks.
Speaking in Kiruari village, Embu North, Mukunji said the war on illicit brews had collapsed soon after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He claimed that the office of the current Deputy President has turned into a safe zone for individuals behind the deadly liquor trade.
Mukunji said that during Gachagua’s tenure, there was genuine progress in curbing alcohol abuse through structured operations and rehabilitation programmes. He pointed to the ‘Mama Boys’ rehabilitation programme led by Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, saying it had successfully reformed over 200 young people from Embu.
According to him, this initiative brought hope to many families battling addiction, but it was abruptly stopped to make room for politically driven programmes that only enrich a few.
He went on to dismiss the ongoing youth empowerment projects, describing them as a scam disguised as development. Mukunji said that the Ksh.2,000 being distributed to young people under the so-called empowerment initiative is nothing more than a handout meant to trap them further into addiction.
He accused those behind the programme of exploiting poverty and desperation to advance political interests, warning that such tactics are destroying the next generation.
Mukunji added that the people financing and producing these harmful drinks are untouchable because they enjoy direct political protection.
He expressed concern that their businesses continue to expand while many families are losing loved ones to toxic alcohol.
The legislator said the re-emergence of illegal brews has not only torn families apart but also discouraged young people from engaging in civic activities like voter registration, weakening the moral and social structure of communities.
He did not spare Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing her of diverting county funds meant for health and development into political demonstrations.
According to Mukunji, the county leadership is misusing public resources to fund protests against opposition figures instead of improving local health services. He said that addicts in Embu are suffering without adequate rehabilitation facilities, yet public money is being wasted on political shows meant to please national leaders.
Mukunji vowed to continue exposing what he termed as a cartel of hypocrisy and corruption behind the alcohol problem in Embu and the larger Mount Kenya region. He said he is determined to defend his people regardless of political pressure or isolation.
In his closing remarks, Mukunji emphasized that the youth deserve real opportunities and support, not death wrapped in empty promises of empowerment.
