Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo at a past function. He has termed the new policy guidelines by NACADA to curb alcohol abuse as misguided. Photo: Courtesy.
The Proposals by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on curbing alcohol abuse in the country, continues to receive massive criticism from leaders and members of the public.
Echoing sentiments raised by comedian Eddie Butita after release of new policy guidelines as misguided, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has also reinforced Butita’s sentiments, arguing that the policy is misguided, as the country’s problem is distribution of poisonous alcohol.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday morning, Maanzo argued that should have focused on limiting access and marketing to ensuring the quality and safety of alcoholic products on the market; ensuring that all poisonous alcohol in the market are eliminated.
“The government should be concentrating on the quality of alcohol,” Maanzo said. “Alcohol is taken all over the world and is very much controlled, and of more importance is societal self-control. The most important thing, the biggest problem in Kenya is poisonous alcohol,” he argued.
He further faulted the move by NACADA to ban online marketing, sale and advertisement of alcohol, stating that they failed to consult with the stakeholders, do public participation and involve content creators, a move Butita said they will not allow to be used as pawns by leaders.
He further stated that the new proposal will witness a massive job loss among youths in the country, which he said could spark another deadly anti-government protests as witnessed in the past two years, with direct effect to alcohol chains including Pub, Entertainment and Restaurant Association.
“So many people are hired by these companies; if 1.3 million people lose their jobs, I think the demonstrations will be more on the streets. You are keeping as many young people as possible exposed,” he cautioned.
According to Maanzo, there should be a public guide and reality between health and economic priorities when making laws, to avoid collapsing the country’s economy.
“Make laws that make sure that the society is safe; but not to destroy businesses, yet you want to collect taxes and build a nation” he said.
His remarks come as former DP Rigathi Gachagua has called out Kenya Kwanza government for sabotaging his efforts and measures while in office to curb illicit brew and addiction among youths.
Gachagua claimed that the measures had witnessed success and many families were rehabilitated and KRA witnessed an increase in revenue collection, as Kenyans were consuming alcohol from establishments that were paying taxes.
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