NACADA AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WANT BARS AND CLUBS CLOSED DURING THE VOTING DAY
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in conjunction with National Cohesion And Integration Commission NCIC, religious leaders, and peace actors from Uasin Gishu County have requested that the bars and clubs be closed a day to 9th general election.
19, days remaining to the general election, NACADA has rolled out a program of engaging youths across the counties that were listed by the national cohesion and integration commission (NCIC) that they are likely to experience violence during this electioneering period.
The counties included Kisumu, Uasingishu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Migori, Kericho, Isiolo, Lamu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Marsabit, Kiambu, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Nandi, Bomet, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Garissa, and Siaya.
The program is all about listening to the youths and sensitization of peace among the youths including motivating theM to turn up in huge numbers and take part in the august 9th election.
Speaking in Eldoret, victor Okioma, CEO NACADA says they will be meeting youth leaders where they will ask them questions pertaining to challenges in the August polls.
He warned politicians against buying alcohol for youth since it will disrupt the stability of peace in the country.
“Poverty, unemployment tribalism, and being paid by a politician to disrupt the opponent’s campaigns rallies are among the reasons youths are given drugs. We are going to support the idea of having bars, wines, and spirits and clubs closed a day to voting day so that we don’t have a disturbance of peace from youth who have been bought alcohol and drugs by politicians we need to have peace before during and after the election” Victor Okioma CEO NACADA said.
The program director of prevention and treatment at NACADA Dr. Ivon Olando asked youths to turn up in large numbers and take part in voting urging them not to consume alcohol before the voting day.
“We are here to listen and to support the youth, It is key for youth to be heard during elections and this can only be done through voting. Youths let’s come out and vote for our voice to be heard” Dr, Yvonne Alando .
Deliverance Church Eldoret Bishop urged youths not to be divided on the basis of ethnicity, and political affiliation and be misused by the political class.
“An election is just an event that will make the determination of the future of this country, We are discouraging any manipulation of any form let the people be sober let them make informed decisions, not under the influence of alcohol and drugs., No drug no Violence and nothing to do with us disturbing the development that we have had since 1963” said Bishop Gichana.
“We are advocating that bars and clubs be closed a day before voting day and be open 2 days after the election we don’t want disturbance or conflict arising from the influence of alcohol and drugs. Abubakar Bini ,Vice-chair interfaith North Rift region added.
By Nickson Kipchumba Edited by Elvis Wasike.
Post Author
