Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says the government is negotiating with major alcoholic beverage companies to produce low-cost alcohol to combat illicit brews.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua added that under the model, the government would also handle taxes, which impede the manufacturing of inexpensive but healthier brands.

PHOTO | COURTESY DP Rigathi Gachagua

“We have asked the manufacturer to start a cheap, healthy and affordable alcoholic drink. We will address the taxation issue. The main problem is on the portable spirits, whose alcohol level is extremely high and toxic- which have ruined families. As a government we have a responsibility to eradicate the illicit brews,” said the DP.

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In an interview with vernacular stations Kameme TV and Kameme FM on Monday, Gachagua said the continuing campaign targets illicit drink makers and marketers.

The DP underlined the government's accomplishments and continued efforts to revitalize the economy.

PHOTO | COURTESY DP Rigathi Gachagua

"The crackdown will not hurt legitimate enterprises. Bar owners must band together and collaborate with the authorities to eradicate the unscrupulous dealers and manufacturers responsible for the death cocktails. He suggested that instead of going to court to oppose the crackdown, the bar owners should form an organization to eliminate the unscrupulous merchants among them.

 "Bar owners must stop claiming that the government is fighting their businesses. They should assist the government eradicate illicit drinks as they have also destroyed their businesses. We are not fighting legitimate businesses because the Ruto Administration supports genuine enterprises,” he stated.

PHOTO | COURTESY DP Rigathi Gachagua

Gachagua reiterated that the government will not tolerate unethical dealers who kill people.

“Greed and overnight chase for accumulation of wealth led us into this menace. Let us be reasonable and responsible towards wealth creation. We will do whatever we can to win the war. The illicit brews have ruined families and killed young people,” he said.

He also asked governors to establish rehabilitation rooms at Level Four hospitals to tackle alcohol addiction.