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By Shaban Makokha
Kakamega County, Kenya — Religious leaders from Western Kenya have launched a scathing attack on the Judiciary and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), accusing the justice system of undermining the war against illicit alcohol and drugs through excessive leniency.
Under the banner of the Kakamega Inter-Faith Group, the clergy condemned courts for handing down sympathetic penalties and minor fines to brewers, sellers, and drug peddlers—individuals they say are “robbing society of fathers, mothers, and children.”
The leaders specifically highlighted the menace of second-generation alcohol: cheap, unregulated drinks often adulterated with toxic substances like methanol to increase potency. These brews pose severe and immediate health risks, especially to young people.
Dr. Donald Musi of the Plateau Group of Hospitals warned that such alcohol can cause rapid poisoning, organ failure, and chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis and kidney failure.
“In some cases, loss of vision is often attributed to high doses of methanol,” said Dr. Musi. “Excessive consumption and drug abuse also lead to mental health issues—memory loss, anxiety, depression—and increase the risk of infertility and HIV/AIDS through high-risk behavior.”
The clergy called on the judiciary to impose stiffer penalties, arguing that the widespread trade in illicit brew is stalling socio-economic progress in the region by drawing energetic youth into substance abuse instead of productive work.
Their criticism comes despite intensified multi-agency crackdowns by police and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which have led to numerous arrests and seizures.
“Police are doing a commendable job. But some suspects are handed such petty fines that they walk out of court and immediately return to selling the very alcohol they were arrested with,” said Bishop Nicholas Olumasai, Chairman of the Kakamega Inter-Faith Group.
According to NACADA findings, Kakamega County is Kenya’s leading producer of illicit chang’aa, driven by high poverty, consistent demand, weak enforcement, and potential corruption.
Ms. Eunice Arubia, NACADA Director for the Western region, confirmed the Authority’s commitment to partnering with faith leaders under the Rapid Response Initiative (RRI).
“Faith institutions have unparalleled influence in shaping values, mentoring youth, and healing families affected by addiction,” Arubia said. “While we operate in policy and enforcement, the church cleanses the heart, fights stigma, and promotes rehabilitation.”
Kakamega County Deputy Commissioner Titus Murei described the consumption of second-generation alcohol as a “public health crisis” with devastating impacts on youth and adults.
“I direct police across the county to remain vigilant and intensify crackdowns,” Murei stated. “We will also engage the Judiciary to ensure offenders face tougher, deterrent sentences.”
Sheikh Idris Lubale, Chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya in Kakamega, warned: “If the law does not fight this vice, we shall fight it spiritually. This menace has become a dragon we must join forces to slay.”
He cited the harmful effects of substance abuse—rising youth crime, mental health challenges, and broken families—as urgent reasons for action.
