No let-up in the fight against drugs and illegal brewing – Gachagua

Vice President Rigathi Gachagua urged officials of the National Government Administration (NGAOs) not to relent in the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol consumption.

The DP advised the NGAOs against complacency, warning that this would creep in slowly and could quickly undo the gains already made in the war.

Speaking at the funeral of former NACADA Board Chairman Victor Okioma in Nyabomo, Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County on Friday, the Vice President said there was no turning back in this fight.

“We have started the fight against drugs and illegal beers well and significant progress has been made. I would like to ask Nacada and all our administrators not to let up and stay focused. Let us continue the fight against drugs and illegal beers as before and – what is important – now in memory of Okioma,” said the DP, who is leading the fight at the national level.

Mr. Gachagua commended Mr. Okioma, who was CEO of Nacada between 2017 and 2023, for his steadfastness and determination in working with other stakeholders to rid the country of this menace.

He said those currently entrusted with similar tasks should take his example.

“I pay my respects to Okioma for his outstanding service to the nation and his sacrifices for the good of the nation. I pay my respects to him for the fine work he did at Nacada. He was a hard-working man whose excellent work spoke for itself. I appeal to Nacada to uphold the legacy of Okioma,” he said.

At the same time, he encouraged the officers to remain faithful to their jobs, saying they had the support and respect of President William Ruto and the national government.

“I respect the NGAOs for their commitment to this country. National administration is an important pillar for any government,” he said.

The DP said the President had entrusted them with the registration of farmers and that they had completed the task excellently within a short period of time.

“This is a good arm of government that needs to be well-established to work for Kenyans. Officials have registered 6 million farmers in less than two weeks and at a far lower cost than consultants had quoted,” he said.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, his Bungoma counterpart Kenneth Lusaka, Senators Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia) and Richard Onyonka (Kisii), and senior national and Nacada officials also attended the service.