Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has criticised church leaders for their silence in the face of public backlash against NACADA’s recently proposed alcohol control policies, which are backed by the Ministry of Interior.
On July 30, 2025, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) unveiled a series of tough new proposals aimed at curbing alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, particularly among youth. The measures include raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, banning celebrities from endorsing alcohol brands, and prohibiting alcohol advertising in youth-related events such as those held in schools, universities, or entertainment competitions.
Other proposed restrictions include banning alcohol promotions during watershed hours on audiovisual media and outlawing sales tactics like discounts, free samples, or prize-based competitions.
Speaking during an event in Kajiado on Friday, Murkomen lamented the lack of support from church leaders, whom he accused of failing to defend efforts to protect young people.
“Tulienda kuzindua policy ya NACADA… sasa mimi nimewekwa headline wakisema serikali inataka kuharibu nchi. Wale watu wanajiita wa Kanisa, hakuna hata moja alinitetea,” said Murkomen.
“Na ni watu wa kanisa. Niliona mzee moja wa kanisa, kitu cha kwanza alitaka Kipchumba ashtakiwe na hakusema hata kitu moja ya hii mambo ya pombe. Mnataka pombe itembee kila mahali?”
Murkomen also took aim at gospel musician Dr. Reuben Kigame, who recently filed a petition seeking permission to privately prosecute the CS and other senior officials over alleged crimes committed during the 2024 Gen Z protests. He accused Kigame of prioritising personal attacks over the national fight against substance abuse.
In response to critics claiming the proposed measures would negatively affect the economy, Murkomen argued that such concerns are driven by profit-seeking alcohol companies.
“Wengine walisema faida itashuka chini na wakadai uchumi utaenda chini tukipandisha kiwango iwe miaka 21, kuna mtu kichwa yake ni kizuri akisema watoto wa miaka 18-20 wakunywe pombe?” he posed.
“These companies are not ashamed that they want to make a profit from children aged 18-20, tunasema wangoje wafike miaka 21 ndo wakunywe.”
The proposed policy changes have triggered mixed reactions, with some praising the initiative as timely and necessary, while others question its practicality and economic impact. Despite the uproar, Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding youth from the dangers of substance abuse.
Written By Rodney Mbua
