Residents of Vihiga County have been urged to celebrate with moderation as the country enters the busy festive season. Speaking at the County headquarters, County Commissioner Ochillo Oyugi advised residents not to be overtaken by emotions and engage in actions which may ruin their lives.
“I urge our people to celebrate modestly knowing very well that there is tomorrow. People should not be over anxious to a point where they engage in actions which can destroy lives,” he said, “Drink alcohol and engage in sexual activities if you have to, knowing that there is HIV. We don’t want new infections to rise.”
As he urged parents to closely monitor their children to prevent them from engaging in social evils which may lead to unwarranted pregnancies and exposing them to chances of getting infections, Oyugi explained that lavish spending may also deny parents a chance to properly cater for their children when schools open.
“Parents should closely monitor their children especially girls to prevent them being tempted to engage in social evils. Defilers and molesters usually take advantage of festivities to perpetuate their actions,” he warned.
The call comes as the Chief Officer in charge of health Dr. Arnold Mamadi revealed that the County HIV index stands at 5.4 percent.
On matters security, Ochillo informed that security agents have put in place mechanisms to address security challenges which may come with the celebrations.
However, he called for caution from the public and advised that any strange suspicious persons in an area should be reported to security agents for interrogation.