𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐈 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐒

𝐁𝐘 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐊𝐘𝐀𝐋𝐎

Rev. Dorcas Rigathi has raised concerns over alcohol and drug abuse among young people in Kenya, warning that substance abuse is contributing to the loss of young lives and leaving families struggling with its consequences.

Speaking during a meeting with Kenyan women in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the United States, on October 11, 2026, Rigathi highlighted what she described as a growing crisis affecting boys and young men.

She called attention to the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on families, communities and the future of young people, urging greater involvement by parents, religious leaders and communities in addressing the problem.

Rigathi also spoke about the consequences of substance abuse among university students, raising concerns about addiction, mental health and the deaths of young people.

The former Second Lady has previously campaigned against illicit brews and drug abuse, advocating for stronger action against those involved in the production and sale of harmful alcoholic products.

In February 2024, she called for tougher measures against illicit alcohol traders following reports of deaths and cases of blindness linked to contaminated alcohol in Kirinyaga County.

Her latest remarks renew attention on the need to address substance abuse through prevention, community support, enforcement of alcohol regulations and access to rehabilitation services