Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called out church leaders for their silence amid public backlash over new alcohol regulation proposals championed by his Ministry in collaboration with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The proposed reforms, unveiled on July 30, 2025, include a series of tough measures designed to curb alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, particularly among the youth. Key proposals include:

• Raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
• Banning public figures from endorsing alcoholic beverages.
• Prohibiting alcohol advertising in youth-centric spaces such as schools, universities, sports, arts, and entertainment events.
• Outlawing alcohol marketing during watershed hours on audio-visual media.
• Banning promotional incentives like free samples, discounts, and prize-based competitions.

Speaking during an event in Kajiado, Murkomen expressed disappointment at faith leaders’ failure to support the initiative, particularly in defending the moral and social well-being of the youth.

“Church leaders have been conspicuously silent while we face attacks for trying to protect children,” he said. “Not a single one stood up to back us when headlines accused the government of ruining the country.”

Murkomen also criticized gospel artist Dr. Reuben Kigame for allegedly prioritizing personal legal pursuits—such as a petition seeking to privately prosecute senior government officials—over engaging in important societal issues like substance abuse prevention.

He dismissed critics who argue that the proposed laws would negatively affect the economy, instead accusing alcohol manufacturers of prioritizing profit over public health.

“These companies want to profit off our children aged 18 to 20. We are simply saying—wait until they turn 21,” Murkomen insisted.

The CS’s firm stance signals the government’s commitment to reshaping Kenya’s approach to alcohol regulation despite political, economic, and public resistance.