Gachagua, who hosted a diaspora caucus in Dallas, Texas, put 53 companies he accuses of manufacturing and distributing illicit alcohol on notice.

The former Deputy President alleged that the firms are selling products that are claiming lives and putting the country’s youth at risk.

Gachagua also claimed that some of the companies are bribing senior government officials to remain in operation.

He vowed that, if elected to top office, his government would take firm action against the manufacturers and intensify the fight against illicit alcohol and hard drugs.

Gachagua had previously claimed that the resurgence of illicit alcohol in Central Kenya following his removal from office was a plot by government to destroy the region's youth.

“Since I was removed from office, all the bad alcohol has been reintroduced to the mountain to destroy our people and reduce voter numbers. Chiefs have been told to look the other way, and the youth are being targeted,” Gachagua said in December 2024.

Gachagua, who previously spearheaded campaigns against illicit alcohol in the region during his tenure as deputy president, said the return of the brews has worsened the social and economic situation in Central Kenya.

"We take great exception that such grave national matters can be trivialized by one individual, on a church podium nonetheless, without empathy for the families that may be struggling with this crisis," said Omollo then.