Police officers and religious leaders have sounded the alarm over an increasing trend of alcohol and substance abuse among young women, cautioning that the vice could have serious long-term effects if left unchecked.
The concerns were raised during a consecration and ordination ceremony at the Administration Police (AP) Protestant and Community Churches held at the SGB and VIP Protection Unit headquarters in Uhuru Camp, Nairobi. Chaplains and senior officers described the situation as troubling, particularly in urban areas where the trend appears to be gaining momentum.
Church leaders, led by Bishop Richard Chepsergon, observed that more young women—some of them students—are increasingly being spotted leaving entertainment venues late at night while intoxicated. He noted a significant shift from previous years, with women now frequenting bars and alcohol outlets in higher numbers, in some instances surpassing their male counterparts.
Bishop Chepsergon warned that early and excessive alcohol consumption could have detrimental effects on future relationships, family life, and personal well-being. He urged young women to carefully consider the long-term implications of their choices.
Administration Police Chief Chaplain Dr Kibet Kipkoech echoed these concerns, warning that persistent involvement in alcohol and drug use could derail the ambitions of many young people and lead to regret in later years. He called on youth to heed guidance from parents and guardians while adopting more responsible lifestyles.
Principal Deputy to the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Dr Masoud Mwinyi, attributed the worrying trend to growing peer pressure and the erosion of traditional social support systems. He challenged parents, guardians, and faith-based institutions to take a more active role in mentoring and guiding young people.
Dr Mwinyi emphasised that while law enforcement agencies continue to arrest offenders during routine patrols, policing alone cannot resolve the issue. He advocated for intensified awareness campaigns in schools, as well as the adoption of counselling services and community-driven initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of substance abuse.
The leaders warned that failure to intervene could result in severe social consequences, including broken families, missed opportunities, and a generation grappling with deep-seated challenges.
The ceremony also marked key milestones within the church, with Richard Chepsergon elevated from Reverend to Bishop, and George Nduiga promoted from Pastor to Reverend. Leaders tasked them with spearheading moral and social transformation within communities.
Dr Mwinyi further noted that the increasing number of police officers embracing faith and advancing in spiritual leadership is a positive development. He said such growth not only fosters discipline and harmony within the service but also helps officers cope with mental health challenges while strengthening their role in community engagement.
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AP chaplains also urged officers to adopt a more holistic approach to justice, noting that arrests and imprisonment alone are insufficient in reforming offenders. They called for the integration of counselling, mentorship, and faith-based interventions to complement law enforcement efforts in rehabilitating individuals.
By Felix Wanderi
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