Despite the ongoing graft investigation into Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s government, one project or at least part of it has come in handy to the residents.
The ‘Kaa Sober’ program by Waititu to reduce rampant alcoholism in Kiambu is bearing fruits beyond imagination.
A group of former addicts has now ventured into small-scale pig farming in Gatundu North as part of their healing process.
Through a self-help group called Kang’oo Kaa Soba, at least 15 recovering addicts hope to change lives of its members for the better and encourage their friends who are still indulging in alcoholism to quit.
While reflecting on her journey, Faith Njoki, a mother of two, expressed joy over her recovery, saying it has restored her dreams that were once shattered.
Njoki says she chose to reform after Waititu declared war on illicit brews and offered them alternative engagements.
Another former addict Philip Wachira said many addicts who underwent the Kaa Sober programme squandered the Sh20,000 send-off package the Governor gave each of them but the group decided to invest their money to transform their lives.
The first group of beneficiaries graduated on February 26 in the initiative that cost the county close to Sh1 billion, the youths were engaged in casual labour and paid Sh400 daily wages.
However, reports of how money meant for the program has been swindled have tainted the seemingly noble project.
Reports of death of reformed alcoholic who recently graduated from the ‘Kaa Sober’ programme added to the critics’ voice.
The victim, Gabriel Njunguna, was said to have begun his battle with alcoholism after moving to Gakuyu village four years ago.
His cousin, Sabina Wanjiru, noted that Njunguna was dismissed from the programme after a week following the discovery that he was using his daily wedges to buy alcohol.
“They used to be paid Sh300 a day for cutting grass. They were discontinued because they used the money to buy alcohol,” said Wanjiru.
The deceased’s mother, Mary Njoki, revealed that her son worked at a shop where his employers consumed alcohol, a situation she says might have fuelled his addiction.
“I tried talking to him but it was all in vain because his employer kept alcohol at the shop. This made it hard for him to stop drinking because the alcohol was always available. He died outside the shop after vomiting,” said Njoki.
The family faulted the county government for allegedly implementing the programme without proper planning.
Waititu has also been subjected to waves of attacks after submitting an audit report which resembles that of the national government.
That audit report alone has ruined the name of Waititu as people are also on the streets calling for his ouster.
On Thursday morning, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives raided Waititu’s homes in Runda and Garden Estate in graft probe.
Tens of officers reportedly arrived at the residence a few minutes after 5am and started a search for files and documents.
The detectives who are investigating alleged corruption in the county that borders the capital Nairobi were searching for documents relating to contracts issued by Mr Waititu’s administration.