Deputy President William Ruto has strongly castigated the opposition chief, Raila Odinga over his plans to legalise changaa and busaa if it wins the August 8 polls.

While speaking on Friday in Bungoma Raila said the NASA administration will legalise traditional brews to allow people "enjoy their favourite drink".

"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," he said

However Ruto has said such a move would undermine the war against alcoholism and drug abuse adding tht alcoholism has 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 annually from alcoholism while 2.5 million people require rehabilitation.

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Speaking during a church service at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Ol Kalau in Nyandarua County, the DP asked religious institutions to support the government in its efforts to curb 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 changaa and busaa.”

The Deputy President added that leaders should be at the forefront in fighting alcoholism and drug abuse instead of promoting it.

“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.