Gachagua: I used to drink a lot

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua on Monday admitted that he was a 'heavy alcohol drinker.'

However, according to him, things changed for the better when he 'saw the light' and got saved.

The second in command spoke in Nakuru, while presiding over a conference to end alcohol and drug abuse in Rift Valley.

"The President, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki and the rest of us, none has a problem with alcohol. I must admit I used to drink a lot before I got saved," said Gachagua.

He said he was pretty sure that had he not given his life to Jesus Christ, becoming the Deputy President would have remained a pipe dream.

Gachagua's wife, Dorcas is a Pastor.

"Since I stopped drinking my things have been very good. That is how I am deputy president. I invite those who drink to consider dropping it and maybe your things will get better," he urged.

The DP expressed his dissapointment at a few law enforcers he said were operating bars, leading to conflict of interest when it comes to tackling alcohol abuse, especially in Central Kenya.

"We are very happy with police officers who are doing a very good job but we have a serious problem with a few of them who have a conflict of interest and have opened bars in the areas where they serve. We have a problem with a few officers who are collecting protection fees; police officers who are supposed to arrest drunkards but they are more drunk."

The Deputy President insists he is on a mission to end drug and alcohol abuse menace in the country.

He said the war against the sale and consumption of Illicit brew, drug and substance abuse in the country must be won.