Kivutha Kibwana Shares His Struggle with Alcoholism

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has shared his past struggles with alcohol during his time as a young lecturer at the University of Nairobi.

Sharing his first experience with beer, Kibwana reveals that he was introduced to it during his final year of high school at the age of 18. Although he didn’t enjoy the taste, he couldn’t help but wonder why others found it appealing. This initial encounter marked the beginning of his relationship with alcohol. As a young lecturer, Kibwana found himself financially stable at the youthful age of 23. Alongside his friends, they established a regular habit of engaging in drinking sessions.

Among the various places they frequented, the senior common room at the University of Nairobi gained popularity as a gathering spot for their beer sessions. To meticulously keep track of their expenses, each group member diligently maintained a personal ledger where they recorded their bills. These expenses would then be subtracted from their salaries at the end of each month. The depletion of funds was a direct consequence of their excessive alcohol consumption throughout the month.

“We would sign for our drinks, knowing that the cost would be deducted from our salaries at the end of the month. Sometimes, we would drink so heavily that there was no money left from our earnings. I remember a friend of mine, who is unfortunately no longer with us, realizing that he had to pay school fees but had no money left in his salary. He decided to take the book, thinking that if he did, there would be no deduction. However, they still deducted the amount.” He narrates.

The ex-governor reveals his clever tactic of organizing his classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, enabling an early start to his weekends. Unlike his companions, he skillfully evaded any disciplinary consequences despite his regular drinking. Hotel Milimani served as their unspoken sanctuary. After work, they would convene there to prolong their revelry.

The profound impact of his excessive alcohol consumption extended to various facets of his life, affecting not only himself but also his friends, a few of whom have sadly passed away. He recalls that his drinking habits were a cause for genuine concern among his friends, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who consistently sought to understand the underlying reasons behind his behaviour.

“Those days if you got caught, the system would have a good reason to fix you. I said I think I’m hurt please get an ambulance and I said I’m going to Kenyatta National Hospital. When I got in the ambulance I told them to take me to Nairobi Hospital so when police came to Kenyatta, they didn’t find me.” he mentions.