Nairobi: Alcoholism continues to ravage communities in Central Kenya, with young men wasting away in illicit brew dens and families paying the heaviest price. Mothers wail as their sons succumb to addiction and premature deaths, while households disintegrate under the weight of financial strain and emotional trauma.
According to Kenya News Agency, morning walks through some shopping centers as early as 8 a.m. reveal a shocking reality: men, young and old, idling away waiting for someone to quench their thirst in dens popularly known as ‘kutoa lock’ (quenching the thirst). The menace is not limited to the unemployed; professionals and civil servants have not been spared either.
Local leaders are continuously calling for stronger regulation of illicit brews and increased public awareness, warning that left unchecked, a whole generation risks being wiped out. “This is a menace, we need a thorough crackdown on illicit brews in this region because our young men’s future is on the line, even licensing regulations need to be reviewed if we are going to end this,” said Woman Representative Betty Maina.
Kenya News Agency spoke to 29-year-old prison officer Arthur Irungu Kamau, a recovering addict who has turned his life around to champion awareness against alcoholism. His story sheds light on how addiction can strike anyone, regardless of background or profession. “After high school, I inherited some property as the only son, and that marked the beginning of my years of long struggle. I started drinking as money was plenty,” said Irungu.
Irungu’s addiction escalated during his employment at the Kenya Prisons Service, where access to loans further fueled his drinking habit. “At one point, I took a loan of Sh1.2 million, and added more from my tea earnings to the tune of Sh.500,000. I used all this money to finance my drinking,” he explained. His family life suffered as he could not provide for them, causing friction with his wife.
Amidst it all, one person remained by his side. Milka Wangeci, his wife, became a pivotal support in his journey to recovery. “We have been married six years and even when we were courting, he was still deep into drinking but I chose him because I was hopeful he would change once he had family responsibilities,” she shared.
Wangeci’s commitment saw her bring Irungu to Edin Care Rehabilitation Centre, where he stayed for three months. During this period, Wangeci witnessed his transformation and noted, “He is changed, and is a good father to the children and a caring husband and I am certain we will recover all the lost years.”
Charles Njugia, a counsellor at Edin Care Rehabilitation Centre, emphasized the broader social impact of alcoholism. “Alcoholism is destructive. Many who come to rehab have disintegrated family relationships as they are often land in financial ruin, having sold family property or neglected their responsibilities,” Njugia stated.
Njugia also highlighted that with the right support, counselling, and rehabilitation, addicts can regain control of their lives and rebuild their families. “Recovery is a journey, and we guide them step by step, providing tools to resist relapse and reintegrate into society,” he added.
