The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo has told youth in her constituency to shun leaders who buy them alcohol.
Dr Gogo termed alcohol an enemy of the development and growth of young people even as she urged them to keep off the drink.
Data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, indicates that excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
It can also cause cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum. Alcohol is also associated with many anti-social problems, including family conflicts, job-related problems and unemployment.
Alcohol can also cause the weakening of the immune system which increases the vulnerability of the body to diseases. Other problems are mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Among students, alcohol can cause learning and memory problems, including dementia which leads to poor performance.
Speaking at Aoch Muga Primary School where she organised a football tournament for the youth, Dr Gogo said some leaders have been giving alcohol to young people. “This is a threat to the development of the youth.” Dr Gogo told the youth to avoid alcohol saying; “I urge all the young people in Rangwe constituency to shun alcohol consumption. They should also avoid anybody who wants to give them alcohol.”
The MP said alcohol is an obstacle to the development, including causing impaired judgment which can make someone engage in hooliganism and other forms of crime.
- Nacada report: Tobacco and alcohol consumption high in primary schools
- One drink a day can greatly impact your health: find out how
Keep Reading
“Anybody who gives our youth alcohol is an enemy of development in Rangwe constituency. Alcohol is bad and such a person should not be listened to,” Dr Gogo said.
Gogo, who was flanked by ODM chairman John Mbadi, said her leadership will not condone alcoholism.
She promised to empower the youth using several programmes she is initiating in the constituency.
“Throughout my leadership as the MP for Rangwe, I will never give the youth alcohol. However, my office is committed to empowering them to enable them to better their economic well being,” Gogo said.
She is mobilizing youths to form groups so they benefit from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
Other programmes are in education to enable students from poor families to go to school.
“Education is key. I do what is possible to ensure our children go to school,” she said, urging the youth to also embrace sports.
join