Gatundu South Leading In Alcohol And Narcotics Abuse

Kiambu County’s, Gatundu South constituency according to NACADA leads in consumption of alcohol.

NACADA’s report indicated that the most affected are people aged between 18-65 years.

“Majority of those abusing alcohol are aged between 25 and 35 followed by those aged 18-24. Legal or packaged alcohol is most common followed by second generation alcohol, traditional liquor and chang’aa,” the report stated.

The anti-drugs authority found chang’aa is most consumed in Kikuyu and Juja sub-counties and second generation alcohol in Githunguri and Gatundu North.

Kiambu sub-county led in substance abuse and was followed by Limuru, Gatundu South, Kabete, Lari, Kiambaa, Gatundu North, Githunguri, Ruiru, Kikuyu and Thika respectively.

The area also topped in bhang, the most commonly used in the county, while cocaine was found to be most common in Ruiru and Gatundu South sub-counties. Then came heroin and hashish.

Heroin is also most commonly used in Ruiru and Gatundu South while many in Gatundu North and South use hashish.

NACADA found that residents of Thika and Juja sub-counties use khat which includes miraa and muguka.

Sleeping pill prescriptions were most popular in Kikuyu and Ruiru. In the latter area, it was found that inhalants are also used by many.

High usage of cigarettes, chewed or piped tobacco, kuber, shisha and all tobacco products was recorded in Lari, Limuru and Githunguri sub-counties.

Michael Kangethe, county director of alcoholic drinks control, said residents do not attend sensitisation meetings.

“We have been on the ground but people do not want to attend meetings. They do not want to give information on who is selling the substances making it difficult [to curb use] since some of the substances are sold in homes,” he said during the release of the report.

Residents who spoke at the function raised concern about the growing number of wines and spirits outlets in the county.

“Bars are opened as early as 6am. In some parts, especially in Juja and Kabete, the number of these outlets has increased tenfold,” Annah Nyambura said.

The President waged war against illicit brews about two years ago.