Chang’aa Legalization: Ruto Blasts Unapologetic Raila For Remarks

NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga plans to maintain his stance following the Idea he made regarding chang’aa legalization.

Mr. Odinga had said the National Super Alliance government would legalize traditional brews if they win the August General Election.

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“Our police officers spend a lot of time chasing and arresting people consuming chang’aa instead of going for the big fish who steal from the public coffers,” said Mr. Odinga in Bungoma on Friday.

The Idea did not go down well with Deputy President William Ruto who blasted the opposition leader saying he was undermining the current administration’s war on alcoholism.

Speaking during a church service at Presbyterian Church of East Africa Ol Kalau in Nyandarua County, Ruto pleaded with religious institutions to support the government’s war on alcoholism and drug abuse among the youth.

“We already have a serious problem with alcoholism and drug abuse. It will be a step in the wrong direction to legalize chang’aa and busaa.”

“Let’s join forces in dealing with this menace. Pray for the Opposition which intends to legalize illicit brew to have a change of heart over this matter.”

He added that alcoholism and drug abuse had ruined the lives of many young people in the country.

According to National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), over 6,000 people die aually from alcoholism while 2.5 million people require rehabilitation.

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In response, an unapologetic Raila has, in turn, accused Ruto of being very insensitive to the needs of ordinary Kenyans. He said chang’aa legalization will bring in much-needed revenue for the country.

“Uganda has legalized chang’aa and they’ve set up a brewery called Uganda Waragi. There is nothing wrong with us processing it and calling it chang’aa. I have no apologies to make for my view.”

“In Tanzania, it is called Konyagi. What is wrong with us processing the brew and calling it chang’aa?”

“We as NASA are sensitive to the local economy and the economic plight of the poor,” he added.