Policemen among alcohol withdrawal patients

Murang'a governor Mwangi wa Iria speaking to youth from various parts who had arrived to be screened after they were presented by their relatives after suffering withdrawal syndromes. [PHOTO:BONIFACE GIKANDI/STANDARD]

Professionals, civil servants and university students are some of those benefiting from treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol withdrawal symptoms that followed the crackdown on illicit liquor.

The detoxification, medication and psychological counselling centre at General Ihura stadium has also catered for a college lecturer, police officers and teachers.

CAUSED DISORDERS

County psychiatrist James Mburu is leading a team of medical officers charged with screening the patients before they are admitted.

Already, the rehabilitation centre, which is run by the county government, has admitted more than 500 persons.

The rehabilitation centre has won praise from President Uhuru Kenyatta, who said the youth had abandoned their families and require urgent treatment and rehabilitation to reshape their lives.

Alcoholism, the President said, has caused disorders among hundreds of the youth.

"This a noble programme. The national government will ensure the youth are fully engaged in National Youth Service  programmes after treatment," said Mr Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta said this while addressing mourners at a funeral in Kiharu on Friday.