Preacher fellowships with alcoholics

By Kiundu Waweru

That Kenyans love their drink, and nyama choma is without a doubt. The ‘culture’ is deeply ingrained that no occasion is complete without these two on the menu.

And on weekends and public holidays, parents are known to bring their children along to social places, where beer and nyama choma are served generously. This in turn has set a dangerous precedent.

In small groups members share how alcohol has affected their health, social and economic wellbeing. Photos: Jenipher Wachie/Standard

In December last year, Kania organised a similar event that brought together almost 600 alcoholics.

"Again, the AA group appealed to them, and a further group of 30 decided to be taken through the rehabilitation process."

The Reverend says that today, over 67 former alcoholics are fully rehabilitated. "The next step was to find them work. Most of them had trained in vocational courses and got jobs as carpenters, welders and electricians. Also, we are re — uniting those who had broken up with their spouses and solemnising their marriages."

Many others have started catechism classes for baptism while some have joined the Presbyterian Christian Men fellowship.

And looking into the genesis of the problem, Kania says that society is quick to condemn without conducting a research of the issue at hand.

Challenge to men

"Our youth lack leadership, because the fathers have become irresponsible, relegating the role of parenting to the mother. And in July this year, I invited all the responsible men to help chart a way forward. About 1000 men, from all walks of life graced the event themed, "Don’t you care the boy child is perishing?""

The Rev says that during the men-only forum, the speakers urged men to take the mantle again, love their families and show leadership.

And the rehabilitated drunks have started a dance group where they perform in different churches, using Bible stories to preach the anti-drug message. They are in the process of acquiring land, for a rehabilitation centre where they will put up a vocational workshop and an IT centre to cater for people who have no college education.

Indeed, as the Rev points out, despite Kikuyu pioneering education, drunkenness and ignorance has contributed to education standards going down.

"In Kikuyu District, an average of 13 students go on to the University, and rarely do you get an A grade, the greatest contributor of under performance being alcohol and drugs."

As I leave the preacher, I wish him good luck in such an enormous campaign.