The Church has stepped up the fight against illicit alcohol and substance abuse, blamed for devastating the lives of young people, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region.
The move comes amid growing concern from women across the region over the rising number of youths losing their lives after consuming illicit and substandard alcoholic drinks.
Speaking during the commissioning of hundreds of mothers at St. James Cathedral ACK Church in Kiambu, the Bishop of Mt. Kenya South, Charles Muturi, vowed to lead what he termed a “mother of all demonstrations” against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse.
Bishop Muturi said the Church will exercise its constitutional and legal right to protest against the sale of illicit alcohol, accusing regulatory authorities and county governments of failing to effectively implement policies governing the licensing and control of alcoholic drinks.
The Bishop said two demonstrations will be held concurrently in Kabete and Kiambu to highlight the concerns of mothers who, he said, have continued to witness the loss of their children to illicit alcohol.
The protesters will petition the Clerk of the Kiambu County Assembly before proceeding to the county headquarters to deliver their memorandum.
In a separate event in Kiambu, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, during his coronation as spokesman of the GEMA community, called on elders from the three communities to support the fight against illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region.
Kindiki said elders have a strong voice in society and should use their influence to oppose the sale and consumption of illegal alcoholic drinks.
He said the unity demonstrated by the GEMA elders should also be used to confront social challenges affecting communities across the region.
