KIAMBU, Kenya, Jun 10 — The Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has called on the families of those in addiction to embrace and treat them with love, kindness and compassion for them to sail through the healing process.
Speaking in Githunguri Sub-County Kiambu County when she toured the Say no to drugs home based care (Saynod) centre Pastor Dorcas emphasized that the involvement of the community and home-based rehabilitation will go a long way in eliminating drugs and substance abuse among the youth.
“Community and home-based treatment initiatives enable our youth who are suffering from drugs and substance addiction to maintain family relationships, have friendships and jobs while receiving treatments and care. Addiction is an illness whose healing is fast-tracked by the support one receives from those who are close to them,” she said.
She further called on the society to help the government in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
Pastor Dorcas said it is worrying that at least 4 Million Kenyans abused drugs in 2022 and called for collaborative efforts in eliminating the menace.
Through the collaboration by the police, local administration and the clergy Saynod (Say-No-To-Drugs) has been involving the local community in fighting drugs and substance abuse in Githunguri Sub-County.
Economic initiatives
Through the initiative the addicts are involved in economic activities such as agribusiness, craft works as well as life skill training.
Pastor Dorcas lauded the efforts of the facility having increased the number of addicts who successfully went through the center having gone up from 45 in 2022 to 850 this year.
“This is a sure testimony that treatment does not have to be expensive. Teaching our youth to maintain sobriety in their homes and their environment where they are likely to have access to their longtime substance of choice helps them to commit to long term changes in their lives. “She said.
“If an individual learns to cope and resist temptation in the same environment they used to abuse drugs and substances in, it surely does offer them better chances of staying sober. “She added.
She however said those in severe addiction of drugs and substance must be taken to rehabilitation centers. This week Pastor Dorcas sponsored 65 young men to a Holy Innocents BPPS rehabilitation center in Meru County.
“Every individual battling with addiction deserves a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong’o promised to fast-track formulation of legislation that will help in fighting drugs and substance abuse in the county.NACADA official present at the event led by Chairman Dr.Stephen Mairori and CEO John Muteti applauded the efforts taken by the spouse of the deputy president in rehabilitating the youth. Pastor Dorcas also toured the exhibitions set up by the youth in the facility.
