Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently delivered a message  on the topic of alcohol abuse during his inaugural public lecture on Youth, Leadership, and Development at Murang'a University of Technology in Murang'a County.
In a candid revelation, Mr. Gachagua shared his personal struggle with addiction, recounting his past experiences with heavy drinking and the loss of friends due to alcohol abuse.
“I used to drink a lot myself, a crate... a crate and a half. There's a bar called Citrus next to Jamuhuri High School. There would be a one-man guitar crooner…” he said.

He mentioned that a significant number of his drinking companions have passed away, while those who remain are in poor condition and rely on him for support and sustenance.
“Many of my drinking buddies are dead, others are zombies, and others are ruined. They look for me to give them something to eat today,” he said.
The DP stated that he has led a good life since he decided to quit alcohol.

“Since I made the decision to quit drinking, my path has been rosy and you can see where I stand today,” said Gachagua as he pleaded with the youth to refrain from alcohol.
“Please our young people I cry for you. President William Ruto cries for you. I have to talk to you, to ask you with tremendous respect and humility that your future is bright. Please don't ruin it.," the DP pleaded.
This revelation comes days after Gachagua opened up about his family's experience of losing his brother to alcoholism.

He was speaking in an interview at Inooro TV on March 17, where he narrated about his brother, Jackson Reriani, who died of alcohol abuse in September 2022.
“I tried to beg him, telling him 'We are just the two of us, do not leave me alone.' I tried to get him treated. After we were inaugurated, he came to my residence in Nairobi and while I was very happy, I gave him and others some money as they left; the next time I saw him, he was in a coffin. He went straight to the alcohol and he died,” said the DP during the TV interview.
Based on statistics provided by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), it is reported that one in every five families in Kenya is affected by a relative grappling with physical and emotional health issues stemming from alcohol consumption.