After a six-month rehabilitation program under the Office of the Deputy President’s spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, 65 reformed addicts have a new lease life.
The 65 include seven women, who were part of the program at Eden house and Reach out rehabilitation centres in Mombasa County.
The reformed addicts were identified when Pastor Dorcas toured drug dens in Shimamzi in Mombasa.
She later organized a medical camp at the Railways dispensary and Miritini December last year for the identification of addicts, who needed rehabilitation.
Most of the addicts had lost hope of recovering from the shackles of drug abuse. Some were separated from their loved ones, while one of them had been fired from work.
The Deputy President’s spouse could not hide her joy, on seeing the transformation in the men and women, who had previously abused drugs for years.
She noted that some of the reformed addicts were admitted to the facilities with their families.
“The lives of our children are very precious and we must save them regardless of our differences. When I look at you (Religious leaders) I see the solution to the challenges facing our children. We must save our generation,” she said.
Pastor Dorcas further called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle drug and substance abuse in the Coast region, while religious leaders were urged to shun stigma to persons living with HIV/AIDs.
“Use pulpits to deliver messages of hope,” said Pastor Dorcas, urging the clerics to open their doors to boys and men to get guidance.
In retrospect, the Deputy President’s spouse recalled her humble upbringing in Kiandutu slums saying it’s her responsibility to help drug addicts recover.
“I have a vision for a better Kenya for the boy child. I have a vision for them,” she emphasized.
Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai lauded Pastor Dorcas efforts in saving the boy child.
The PS promised that some of the reformed men will be trained as trainers by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).
“I appreciate your efforts in bridging the gender gaps that stand in the way to realize our ambitious goal. Your leadership to galvanize religious leaders across faith as represented here today is commendable,” said Kimtai.
Kisauni Sub-County Deputy county commissioner Jamleck Mbuba promised that chiefs will work closely with the religious leaders to combat drugs and substance abuse menace.
“The battle is not over, but we have made strides. Let’s join hands and end the drug menace,” said Mbuba.
On his part, Ushindi Baptist Church Bishop Joseph Maisha said the addicts were in bad state before they were rehabilitated.
“They had lost hope, but now I see the work that has been done and as a region we are proud,” said Bishop Maisha.
Sheikh Rashid Swaleh echoed Maisha’s sentiments calling for cooperation in the fight against alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.
Evelyn Watere and her husband have been heroin addicts for more than two decades. They were both rescued and joined the rehabilitation program during the visit by Pastor Dorcas at the Shimanzi drug den.
“I have been trying to get out of the addiction for years in vain, but when Mama Dorcas rescued us I have now been transformed,” said Watere.
Another reformed addict and a counsellor by profession Boniface Ndirangu said he will now go back to his job.
At least 2000 religious leaders from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties were sensitized on prevention and treatment for HIV, drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse among boys and men.
By Sadik Hassan
