In Summary:
Under the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP), Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has initiated a transformative program, taking 60 men from Mombasa’s drug dens to rehabilitation centers in Kwale County. These men, battling addiction to various substances, bid farewell to their families willingly, as Pastor Dorcas fulfills her commitment to help those ensnared by drugs. She personally distributed essential items and provided encouragement during her visit to the rehabilitation centers.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the Spouse of the Deputy President, has made good on her promise to families living in Mombasa’s drug dens. Through the OSDP, she organized the rehabilitation of 60 men addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, miraa, and a mix of other substances. These men willingly embraced the opportunity for rehabilitation and said their goodbyes to their families.
In a touching gesture, Pastor Dorcas visited the men at the rehabilitation centers in Kwale County on the second day, providing them with personal effects such as toothpaste, soap, shoes, slippers, washbasin, and towels. She urged them to remain resilient throughout the three-month rehabilitation process. Expressing her dedication to the cause, Pastor Dorcas emphasized the significance of saving even one child from the clutches of addiction.
During her visits to the drug dens, Pastor Dorcas recounted encounters with skepticism from those in need, who had been promised help by others before. However, she delivered on her commitments, providing not only food but also organizing a medical camp for screening. As a result, those who underwent checkups were admitted to the rehabilitation center during her third visit.
While acknowledging the success of the program, Pastor Dorcas called for additional support from both the public and private sectors to accommodate the high number of individuals seeking rehabilitation. Screening identified 348 individuals in need of rehabilitation, with only a fraction being admitted in the current round.
Having witnessed the challenges of withdrawal faced by those battling addiction, Pastor Dorcas encouraged the men to focus on their goal of leading drug-free lives. She emphasized that addiction is a disease, and individuals struggling with it should receive help, calling on parents to support their children in overcoming addiction.
Pastor Dorcas also urged religious institutions to unite against the dependency on drugs among the youth, especially boys and men who form the highest population affected by addiction. The Governor of Kwale, Fatuma Achani, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat addiction within society.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s Words:
“The life of one child is very important. When I went to the drug dens, they told me many had visited them and promised to help them. They could not even believe me when I said I would bring them food,” said Pastor Dorcas. “But that same day, I brought the food, and served them myself. And I went to the dens a second time, and brought them a medical camp for screening. And during this third visit, those who went through checkup have now been admitted to the rehab centre.”
The rehabilitation centers in Kwale are equipped with various sports equipment and games to aid in the recovery process. The bio-psychosocial spiritual approach is employed to realign the men to lives free of psychoactive substances. The OSDP’s successful rehabilitation programs in other regions have now extended to the Coast, addressing the pressing issue of drug dependency in the area.
Conclusion:
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s compassionate initiative to rescue 60 men from Mombasa’s drug dens reflects a commitment to transforming lives. The rehabilitation program not only provides practical assistance but also instills hope and resilience in those battling addiction. Through her efforts, Pastor Dorcas aims to contribute to a future where individuals overcome the challenges of addiction and become positive contributors to society.
Frequent Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1: How many individuals were identified for rehabilitation during the screening process?
A1: A total of 348 individuals in need of rehabilitation were identified during the screening process, with only a fraction being admitted in the current round.
Q2: What approach is used in the rehabilitation centers to aid in the recovery process?
A2: The rehabilitation centers employ a bio-psychosocial spiritual approach to realign individuals to lives free of psychoactive substances.
Q3: How has Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s initiative addressed the issue of drug dependency in the Coast region?
A3: The OSDP’s successful rehabilitation programs, including the recent initiative in the Coast region, aim to alleviate drug dependency, particularly in areas heavily laden with drugs as entry and exit points for imports and exports.