Deputy President’s spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has urged the clergy to establish Community Rehabilitation Centers within their churches to combat drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at Machakos University, where she had convened a meeting of 5000 clergy members from the Lower Eastern region in an event dubbed Boy child Programme Day, Pastor Dorcas urged the church fraternity to open their doors of worship to boys and men who are struggling with substance abuse within their communities.
The Deputy President’s spouse emphasized that individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction are ever present in our communities, and the clergy should actively pray and speak for them.
“The churches would overflow if we evangelize and reach out to such individuals,” she said.
During the function, about 3000 students and teachers drawn from 20 Lower Eastern region schools received mentorship from various stakeholders including professional counsellors and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
Pastor Dorcas emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for the affected both boys and girls to help them achieve their dreams and visions.
She also praised the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) for their support in promoting the closure of bars and combating drug and substance abuse.
Meanwhile, a substantial progress has been made in several villages across the country, since the onset of the government crackdown on illicit brews, as evidenced by the dwindling number of addicted men and boys roaming the streets nowadays.
By Anne Kangero
