Why NACADA is against consumption of alcohol at home

The National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) recently expressed reservations over consumption of alcohol in the presence of children.

Ever since bars were shut down to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country, it has emerged that a number of people are now buying alcohol and going to drink at home.

This, according to NACADA, undermines the protective environment for pupils and students who are currently at home due to the containment measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

NACADA Prof Chairperson Mabel Imbuga urged parents to create an alcohol-free environment to ensure they instill the right values in their children.

“While we fully support the measures taken by Government in containing the Coronavirus pandemic, we are strongly opposed to the consumption of alcohol and drugs through organized groups drinking bouts in homes in the presence of children,” she added.

“We appeal to members of the public to report such cases to NACADA through our toll-free line No. 1192 or to any National Government Administration Officers,” said Prof Imbuga.

Former NACADA Chairman John Mututho on Wednesday opined that banning alcohol consumption in the country may lead to more deaths.

This is after word went round that the government is contemplating banning the consumption of alcohol in public places to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The former Naivasha legislator argued that some addicts might lose their lives if they stop taking alcohol without a proper plan.

Mututho acknowledged that alcohol has destroyed many families but the proposal to ban the consumption of alcohol in public places might cause more harm than good.

“It is a fact that liquor has killed many and destroyed families, but the current proposal to ban its sale will lead to high mortality among the addicts,” Mututho warned.

Adding that the move might also dent NACADA’s efforts to fight consumption of illicit brew.