Thang'wa responds to PS Omollo's statement on sale of illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya

Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa. [File, Standard]

Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa has responded to Interior PS Raymond Omollo on illicit alcohol.

This comes hours after the Ministry of Interior and National Administration called out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for accusing the state of targeting Mount Kenya Region with illicit and counterfeit alcohol.

In a statement, Senator Thang'wa has reiterated Gachagua's earlier sentiments, urging the government to stop the sale of illicit brew in Mount Kenya region.

"The time for empty statements has passed. It is the responsibility of the PS, his CS, and the President to halt the sale and distribution of illicit alcohol and prevent further loss of life. Action, accountability, and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective governance, and Kenyans deserve nothing less," Thangwa's statement reads in part.

The lawmaker has also put state officers to task to explain the measures and steps taken, and how the government is ensuring implementation of the same.

"Families are suffering, and communities are desperate for leadership that prioritizes solutions over political point-scoring. By addressing these questions and engaging with all stakeholders - including the victims, as well as learning from H.E Gachagua, whose record on this issue speaks for itself, the government can begin to rebuild trust and deliver meaningful results," he says.

While attending a church service in Nakuru on Sunday, Gachagua claimed that the resurgence of illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region is a plan by the government to reduce the region's rich voter basket.

In response, PS Omollo issued a media briefing urging the ousted DP to reach out to relevant state officials and lodge a formal complain on his claims.

He said it was not wise to make remarks on sensitive issues such as drug and substance abuse from a church podium.