{
  "id": 10460891,
  "title": "GG Kagombe raises alarm over rising illicit alcohol crisis in Gatundu South",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/gg-kagombe-raises-alarm-over-rising-illicit-alcohol-crisis-in-gatundu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T14:14:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/gg-kagombe-raises-alarm-over-rising-illicit-alcohol-crisis-in-gatundu-south"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gatundu South's Member of Parliament, Gabriel George Kagombe, has sounded the alarm on the escalating issue of illicit and unregulated alcoholic beverages in his constituency and the larger Mt Kenya region. In a statement released on September 28, 2026, Kagombe warned that the growing consumption of these unknown substances posed a significant threat to the health and livelihoods of the youth. He stressed that the issue could no longer be dismissed as routine business. Young individuals are now exposed to drinks of uncertain origin, with uncertain safety profiles, leading to dire consequences such as loss of life, addiction, poor health, and joblessness. Kagombe cited recent cases from Kiambu and other parts of the Mt Kenya region as proof of the gravity of the situation. He appealed to the national government, the National Police Service, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to implement stringent and persistent measures against the production, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol. Kagombe emphasized that enforcement alone was not enough and called for extensive public education, rehabilitation, and support for those battling alcohol dependence. He recognized NACADA's role in coordinating efforts to curb alcohol and drug abuse, including through counseling, referrals, and intervention services. Kagombe also urged communities not to shield those responsible for manufacturing or distributing dangerous illicit alcohol. He called on the public to report such individuals to the appropriate authorities. Kagombe addressed young people directly, urging them to safeguard their lives and futures from the detrimental effects of alcohol and substance abuse. He reiterated the urgency of the matter, stating that it was not a political issue but a matter of saving lives. Kagombe vowed to keep working with relevant authorities and advocating for more robust actions to shield residents of Gatundu South and the wider Mt Kenya region from this burgeoning menace.",
  "summary": "Gatundu South Member of Parliament (MP) Gabriel George Kagombe has raised an alarm over the growing circulation and consumption of illicit and unregulated alcoholic drinks in the constituency and across the wider Mt Kenya region. In a statement dated September 28, 2026, Kagombe said the rising consumption of illicit alcohol had become a serious concern, […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Gatundu South MP Gabriel George Kagombe warns of rising illicit alcohol crisis.",
    "Unknown drinks threaten youth health and livelihoods.",
    "Calls for stringent measures, public education, and reporting of offenders."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}