Wanjiku wa Kibe with some of the reformists. They have promised to preach peace. [Photo: MNdung'u]
Mukurwe Reformed Farmers against Drugs and Alcohol (MUREFADAC), a group of former drug addicts and prisoners has ganged up to preach peace and end crimes in Gatundu North.
The group that is fully registered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports engages local youth in subsistence farming, planting of commercial seedlings and making of soaps. It has so far grown from 14 to 25 members all who are graduates of rehabilitation from drugs and other societal vices.
The reformists comprising both males and females organise open air and ‘door to door’ gatherings to sensitise the public on impacts of unlawfulness. They also issue loans at reduced interest rates among themselves through table banking.
According to the group’s chairman, Zacharia Kimani the youthful group was formed after the increment of vices in Mukurwe village, Gatundu North with a vision of eliminating crimes and ensuring prevalence of sustainable agriculture for all.
Kimani said that the group has changed livelihoods through empowerment projects and counselling sessions calling on criminals to emulate their transformation.
‘Like my colleagues, we were sick of being enslaved by drugs addiction, we after realising the pit we were in decided to try out rehabilitation and finally started engaging in nation building activities to not only better our lives but also those of other Kenyans,’ the chairman revealed.
‘For more than 10 years now, I was a slave to alcoholism and smoking. I started drinking alcohol and smoking in 2006 at the tender age of 15 and has since then been struggling with the two addictions until the government announced a national crackdown when I realised that I was being enslaved,’ said John Kiongo, a reformist.
Kiongo said the habit had negatively affected both his teaching career and personal life and has earned him several transfers due to truancy in classes.
The youthful group, however, decried lack of capital to start simple business projects blaming lack of societal acceptance that addicts can reform.
Speaking in their commercial seedling plantation premises in Mukurwe village, the youths called on elected leaders to consider empowering reformers by creating job opportunities for them.
‘The CS interior had said that all rehabilitated addicts would join NYS program but we are yet to see such a program in Gatundu North. To our elected leaders, please consider remembering those who are busy trying to eradicate societal vices like us by showing us how we can improve our lives,’ said Joseph Kariuki Njoroge, the group's coordinator.
They said their vision of lighting Kenya through agribusiness activities would only be realised if the society accepted they were reformed. ‘We also need support from our leaders; we have the skills, ideas and vision but lacks the power to implement our aspirations,’ decried Michael Njoroge, a member of the group.
According to Gatundu North parliamentary aspirant Wanjiku Kibe, reformers are noble citizens that can positively drive changes in the society. Kibe who spoke on Saturday evening after issuing tomato, onion, carrot and spinach seedlings to the group asked the youth to embrace agribusiness. ‘Agribusiness is paying than other jobs; you have the vision and I promise to empower you so long as you uphold the virtues that you currently have,’ promised Wanjiku.
She vowed to table a motion that would push reformers job creation once she clinches the areas parliamentary seat.
‘Am moved by the miles you have come since you reformed. Ganging up to campaign against social ills in the society and engaging in nation building activities is very encouraging. Am happy to hear more youths have joined you after emulating what you are doing. It’s amazing that the journey of preaching peace, ending corruption and other vices in the country has started with you’ observed Kibe.
Kibe further encouraged the reformists to vet aspiring leaders to avoid electing who are mindful of the youth and reformists.