Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, of undermining efforts to fight illicit alcohol during his time as Interior Cabinet Secretary.

According to People Daily, Gachagua made the allegations while addressing Kenyans in the United States, claiming that Kindiki was instructed by President William Ruto to interfere with the crackdown that he had been leading against illicit brews in Mt Kenya.

Gachagua alleged that Kindiki was summoned by Ruto and told, “hii vita Rigathi anafanya ya pombe staki mambo yake,” before accusing the former Interior CS of subsequently sabotaging the campaign.

“It is Kindiki who alisabotage hiyo vita dhidi ya pombe haramu,” Gachagua said, according to People Daily. The publication noted that the allegations represent Gachagua’s account and have not been independently established as facts.

The remarks come after Kindiki announced a renewed government crackdown on illicit and unsafe alcoholic drinks in Mt Kenya. According to The Star, Kindiki said security agencies and regulators would work together to prevent alcoholic beverages that fail to meet required health and safety standards from reaching consumers.

According to People Daily, Kindiki said the planned multi-agency meeting would bring together officials from the Ministry of Interior, Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Counterfeit Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards to strengthen enforcement against harmful alcoholic products.

Citizen Digital also reported that Kindiki, speaking in Nyeri and later in Meru on Friday, September 25, described illicit alcohol containing harmful chemicals as a threat to young people and said the government would pursue manufacturers, distributors and retailers involved in the trade.

The renewed crackdown has revived debate over the government's handling of illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya. The Star reported that Gachagua had previously led a major crackdown in the region during his tenure as Deputy President, including measures targeting illegal brewing outlets.

Gachagua has now challenged Kindiki over his new campaign, maintaining that the current efforts come after the problem resurfaced in the region.

Kindiki, however, has not publicly endorsed Gachagua's allegations that he sabotaged the former Deputy President's campaign. Instead, during his Nyeri visit, Kindiki said his focus was on coordinating government agencies to address harmful alcoholic drinks and protecting young people from their effects.

The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive in Mt Kenya as both leaders continue to make competing claims about the region's leadership and the government's response to illicit alcohol.