As the country heightens the war on illicit brews the threat posed by the widespread sale of the so called second generation alcohol has thrown stakeholders into confusion on how to shield the future generations from an impending time bomb.
Women under umbrella of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake have called for setting up more rehabilitation centers and engagement of counseling unions to reduce impact of drug abuse among the youth who were more vulnerable than any segment of the society.
Speaking in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, led by the national chairperson Rahab Mwikali, the women association acknowledged the increase of drug abuse saying they support the crackdown on consumption of illicit brews adding that those already affected should be given necessary support to regain their normal lives.
Mwikali said many unions can be involved in local levels to provide counseling services which will help reform the addicts.
“Our children are wasting away, it is sad. As the government crackdown, we request for the establishment of rehabilitation centers to help the counseling of those already affected. We have different unions who can help in counseling like grassroots leaders, churches, former teachers, and professionals,” she said.
The chairperson noted the long campaign period ahead of the last general election was one of the contributors of drug abuse. Youths were given little free money which was not enough to buy something of value while others were directly taken for drinks by the leaders. She therefore calls upon the leaders to respect other peoples’ children.
“Our children were whipped into elections with little tokens. Let’s take care of kids because if not we are ruining our future. Leaders should know we were giving birth to have a future,” she urged.
Mwikali reiterated that they as Maendeleo Ya Wanawake support the government and the president in the bid to fulfill the promises they made to Kenyans. She added that women, especially widowed mothers, are having serious problems that need urgent solutions.
“Immediately the husband passes on, the widows aren’t even given time to mourn. The in-laws are there ready to inherit land and other valuable properties. This is a challenge we are looking into it now,”
She said they will identify unique problems facing mothers in every county before they share with the head of state to look for long lasting solutions.
By Mutai Kipngetich
