TESO NORTH, Kenya – The Teso North sub-county’s initiative to combat illicit brew and substance abuse has garnered support from the local Catholic Church, aligning with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s broader campaign.

According to Kenya News Agency, Rev. Fr. Bernard Famba highlighted the rampant addiction issues among the youth, attributing these to the region’s porous borders and contrasting legal stances with neighboring Uganda. He emphasized the detrimental impact of substance abuse on society, linking it to a surge in criminal activities and broader social and economic issues.

Fr. Famba’s message resonated with local advocate John Busienei, who underlined the significant role of religious organizations in societal moral guidance and crime prevention. The team expressed their commitment to intensifying efforts against drug and alcohol abuse, a stance they deem critical for preserving future generations.

The discussion took place in the context of Deputy President Gachagua’s firm stance on the issue, even suggesting he would risk his political position for the cause. The challenge is particularly acute in Busia County, given the ease of smuggling illicit substances across the Uganda-Kenya border, often facilitated by vulnerable groups including children and motorbike taxi operators.

In response to these challenges, the church has launched a computer college at Chelelemuk Parish, aiming to divert local youth from crime by providing them with marketable skills. This educational initiative is part of a broader condemnation of illicit brew consumption and its associated ills, including its contribution to the troubling trend of school break-ins within the county.

Fr. Famba also addressed the specific issue of using children for smuggling alcohol and the alarming number of school break-ins in Teso North, advocating for urgent government action to tackle these problems head-on. The community’s leaders, including the clergy and visiting officials, are united in their call for renewed efforts to eradicate the production, distribution, and consumption of illicit brews, which they see as imperative for regional and national progress.