Back to 'newspaper articles' index. Back to 'Sound of silence' article'

by David Ogot snr.

EAST AFRICAN STANDARD Tuesday, April 29 2003

President Mwai Kibaki and his ministers have trumpeted the much-needed, radical reforms in almost every sphere of Kenyan life.

But with each announcement I have waited with baited breath for direction, only to be pounded by excruciating silence.

Baffled at how an issue that oftentimes tragically cuts across huge swathes of Kenyan society has not been mentioned. Yet it causes suffering to hundreds of thousands of Kenyans.

Can we hear the silence? Or it is like the quiet disappearance of the 'jogoo' from the Coat of Arms used on the 100 days - 'Our New Kenya' colour posters - issued by the ruling National Rainbow Coalition on April 9.

The alteration to the 'crown' did not raise eyebrows.

In his speech during the State opening of the Ninth Parliament on February 10, President Kibaki said: "Our most heartfelt gratitude goes to Kenyans. It is the citizens of this country who went to the polls on December 27, and elected us to this House.

Let us be forever mindful of the great responsibility they have placed on our shoulders."

The President stated that the Ninth Parliament "heralds Kenya's long awaited second liberation." President Kibaki reiterated his commitment to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of corruption.

Also stressed was the need to assure the rule of law was upheld. "Ensuring this would be our most enduring legacy as a government."

Apathy and indifference which grips Kenyans when faced with certain life threatening situations, could only be tackled with energetic guidance from the top."

Thus, his words were music to many ears. "The fight against corruption in Kenya will start at the top."

"Every Kenyan has a right to life and ownership of property. Sadly, there are some Kenyans who have chosen to make a habit to disrupt the lives of other Kenyans."

His message was clear: "Lay down your wicked ways and respect your neighbours.

Our moment in history has arrived. For the sake of the Kenyan people let us not squander it."

Narc had made no pre-or-post-election promises to fight drug abuse. So that was not one promise we could say has been broken, hence the deafening silence.

In fact, the only event connecting the Narc government to the anti-drug abuse campaign was the down-grading of the National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada), from the Office of the president to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It was lumped back with prisons and borstal institutions. This was done with no fanfare and few noticed.

From there, nothing has been heard about drugs either from the President or ministers. If I did not know better, I would say the problem of alcohol abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse have been eradicated or reduced to levels that do not warrant the attention of the President.

Not only do I live in Kenya, but I am also a recovering alcoholic.

I know too well the chaos I caused in almost three decades of drinking, which started with a simple sip to prove I was a 'tough guy.'

The years of hell my parents, relatives, friends, employers and later on my own wife and children went through before I got sober still make me shudder.

I see it every day in those I try to help. The desperation in the eyes of parents, sisters, husbands, brothers, mirrors the haunted look I used to see in my people as they sought help for me.

The sheer terror which comes from being helpless as you watch someone dear to you inexplicably kill themselves in front of you with drink and other drugs.

We have seen young lives snuffed out after drinking certain brands sold in mini-packs. We have applauded women in many towns and even in Nairobi as they raided liquor dens, emptying containers of all manner of brews before smashing them.

These women have remained undaunted even in spite of being arrested, steely eyed in their determination to save their loved ones.

As worries about the alcohol in mini-packs, which are sold in supermarkets, kiosks, bars and on the streets increased, 15 tonnes were condemned as unfit for consumption by the Government Chemist.

Many of these brands are freely advertised in the local media.

Still in the '100 days of silence' as some boys were appearing in court over an ongoing case where tens of students were killed in a dormitory fire allegedly set by them, another set of boys were caught red-handed in the school compound carrying containers brimming with petrol in the wee hours in what was to be another arson attack. Many of these attacks have been linked to drug abuse.

Mr. President, one promise you did make and I want to ask you to please keep it. At the end of your 100 days of Narc speech, you said: "It is my singular honour to serve the people of Kenya. To serve selflessly is the most important promise I make to you the Kenyan people."

Can you take it upon yourself to do a great service to the Kenyan people who are suffering silently and tell them that alcoholism is a disease and not somebody's fault?

Can you tell them that the best way to handle alcoholism is to get help for the person and not hide them in shame?

Mr. President, can we set up a national drug policy and put in place mechanisms to save our youth who comprise 60 per cent of our population, from misery and finally death through alcohol and drug abuse?

Mr. President, can the issue of rehabilitation centers be addressed and be dealt with so as to end decades of foot dragging?

The thorny issue of chang'aa and traditional liquour should also be laid to rest.

The World Health Organisation projects that alcohol use will claim more human lives this century more than any other disease and these figures will overwhelm the hazards posed by unsafe sex, surpassing even the adverse effects of two other formidable foes to health - tobacco and illicit drugs.

Let us do something about alcoholism now for tomorrow will be a day too late.

David Ogot is a freelance journalist/producer who has personal experience with alcoholism. He can be reached at goinghomedotcom@yahoo.com