Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has raised concerns over the increasing levels of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, especially in the Mount Kenya region.
The MP said the crisis is not just a health or social issue but a tool being used for political manipulation.
In a statement shared via his X account on Saturday, June 28, 2025, he pointed out that many young people in the region have become idle, addicted, and disillusioned, making them easy targets for exploitation by political actors.
Kaluma believes that the substance abuse crisis has left the youth vulnerable, stripping them of hope and direction and rendering them susceptible to being used for political agendas that do not serve their interests.
“We need to deal with alcoholism and drug abuse among young people, especially in Mt. Kenya. It has rendered the young people delinquent, idle, hopeless, gullible, and available for misuse for detrimental ends,” he stated.
Gachagua’s fight against alcoholism
Kaluma’s remarks come at a time when questions are being raised about political funding and influence over recent youth-led protests. While he did not name names, his comments add to the ongoing debate that has seen some leaders accuse former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of funding Gen Z protests.
Ironically, Gachagua, during his time in office, had made the fight against drug abuse and alcoholism one of his key priorities, particularly in his native Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua was known for being vocal and hands-on in the war against addiction. He often spoke about his struggles with alcohol to connect with the youth and warn them of its dangers.
On March 21, 2024, while speaking at Murang’a University of Technology, Gachagua revealed he was once deep into drinking.
“I used to drink a crate… a crate and a half. There’s a bar called Citrus next to Jamuhuri High School,” he said.
Adding
“They look for me to give them something to eat today. Since I decided to quit drinking, my path has been rosy, and you can see where I stand today,” he said, crediting his turnaround and eventual rise in leadership to his decision to quit alcohol.
On March 17, 2024, Gachagua appeared on a local TV station and opened up about a painful personal loss. He shared the emotional story of how he lost his elder brother to alcoholism in September 2022.
He used that heartbreaking experience to drive his message home, warning young people that drug and alcohol addiction was not only destroying individuals but also tearing apart families and communities.
“I tried to beg him… I tried to get him treated. The next time I saw him, he was in a coffin,” he said, visibly moved.
During his time as Deputy President, Gachagua supported a wide-ranging crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs. On March 6, 2024, he backed a 25-point enforcement strategy that led to thousands of raids and arrests. The campaign mainly targeted illegal brews and unlicensed outlets across Central Kenya.
By August 1, 2024, while chairing a multi-agency meeting at his Karen residence, Gachagua celebrated what he called a major success in the fight.
“It is a huge win for this administration with zero cost… Families have been restored, and we are getting back our country to sobriety,” he said.
But Gachagua’s war on drugs did not start in 2024. In April 2023, during the launch of an anti-drug campaign in Nyeri, he had already taken a strong stand. He issued a warning to those producing harmful brews.
“Those who produce illicit alcohol that destroys future generations are worse than murderers. The force of the government will be felt,” he said.
He also made it clear that local leaders and police had a role to play, and failure to act would not be tolerated. In August 2023, while speaking in Nyandarua, he noted the government had achieved about 70 per cent success in the region.
“I won’t support any leader who is not helping to combat alcoholism,” he warned.
Even as late as July 7, 2024, during a church service at PEFA, Gachagua continued sounding the alarm. He warned government officials against undermining the progress made in the anti-drug war.
“No decision has been made by the Cabinet to stop the war against illicit brews… Anybody stopping or undermining the fight is setting the president and the government against the people,” he said.
