Agikuyu Elders Call for Tougher Action Against Illicit Alcohol
Kaguru wa Ndung’u said traditional values and community counselling could complement government efforts to help young people make responsible decisions.
Agikuyu elders from Lamu, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu are calling for stronger government and community action to curb illicit alcohol consumption among young people. Photo: Vipasho News.
By Robert Mutasi
Agikuyu community elders from Lamu, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu counties have called for stronger government and community action to tackle the growing consumption of illicit alcohol among young people.
The elders said the production and sale of illegal alcoholic drinks posed a serious social challenge and called on authorities to intensify enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and traders involved in the illegal business.
They spoke in Eldoret after holding special prayers for peace ahead of and after the 2027 General Election.
Agikuyu elder Murinda wa Gutu said more decisive action was needed to protect young people from the effects associated with illicit alcohol consumption.
“We must protect our youth from illicit alcohol and strengthen enforcement against those who produce and sell it,” Murinda said.
The elders also proposed community-based programmes to support young people affected by alcohol abuse and link them with counselling, rehabilitation and other support services.
Kaguru wa Ndung’u said traditional values and community counselling could complement government efforts to help young people make responsible decisions.
“Our culture and community guidance can help young people avoid harmful behaviours,” he said.
The elders called for greater dialogue and education among young people, particularly on decisions that could affect their health, relationships and future.
Uasin Gishu youth representative Majipya Muchiri said young people needed stronger support from both the government and the community to overcome challenges affecting them.
“We need to engage our youth and give them the support they need to build a better future,” Muchiri said.
The elders said addressing alcohol abuse required cooperation between government agencies, families, community leaders and young people.
They called for sustained enforcement against illicit alcohol businesses while urging communities to take a more active role in identifying and supporting young people struggling with alcohol-related problems.
The elders also used their meeting in Eldoret to address the 2027 General Election, calling on Kenyans to maintain peace, unity and mutual respect throughout the political period.
They urged political leaders and citizens to avoid actions and rhetoric that could create divisions among communities.
The elders said their peace prayers were aimed at encouraging dialogue and peaceful coexistence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
They stressed that families and communities had an important role to play in promoting peaceful relations, saying the responsibility for maintaining social stability could not be left to the government alone.
Ndirangu Njuguna said communities needed to take responsibility for social challenges affecting young people while working with government institutions to find lasting solutions.
“We cannot leave this responsibility to the government alone; families and communities must also act,” he said.
The elders said their initiatives would focus on strengthening community guidance, supporting vulnerable young people and promoting peaceful coexistence as the country prepares for the next General Election.
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