Gachagua Criticizes Coast leaders for their failure to speak out against drug abuse

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified the campaign against drug abuse by addressing the issue among coastal leaders and expressing concern over their perceived silence.

During the Illicit Alcohol and Drug Eradication Conference in Mombasa on Monday, Gachagua criticized the coastal leadership for not actively participating in the fight against illicit brews and drugs.

“There is a serious crisis in Mombasa and the leadership is quiet. At least I can attest that Nyali MP Mohamed Ali has been vocal about the issue… But other leaders are quiet. Why are leaders at the coast quiet as our young population is being killed and destroyed by drugs?” questioned Gachagua.

He questioned the absence of certain leaders at the conference, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in discussions that are crucial not only to the nation but especially to the coastal residents.

Gachagua urged coastal leaders to address the drug menace openly, stating that their input is vital for the government to effectively combat the issue.

“We want to hear you more because you represent the people. Unless leaders are telling us there is no problem,” added Gachagua.

The Deputy President also highlighted the commitment of the William Ruto Administration to implementing stringent measures against illicit brews and drugs.

He assured the public that the government would take a tougher stance to eradicate the vice, emphasizing coordinated enforcement by various government agencies.

In a previous statement on Sunday, Gachagua had announced the commencement of stringent measures to eliminate illicit brews and drugs, acknowledging their devastating impact on Kenyan lives.

The concerns over drug abuse were echoed by security chiefs in Mombasa in 2022, who expressed worry about the increasing use of drugs among secondary school students in the region.

Deputy County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi emphasized that drug abuse had transitioned from the community to schools, with several secondary schools reporting cases of students caught with drugs.

Nacada Coast regional manager George Karisa pointed out that poor parenting had contributed to children engaging in drugs and urged parents to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse.

Karisa highlighted the region’s challenges, indicating that at least 13,000 people were using heroin, and stressed the need for collective responsibility in the battle against drug abuse.

Gachagua was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Susan Nakhumicha (Health), Ezekiel Machogu (Education), Aisha Jumwa (Gender and Culture) Salim Mvurya (Mining), Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Principal Secretaries Dr Raymond Omollo (Internal Security), Mary Muthoni (Public Health).

Others include Mohammed Daghar (Transport), Teresia Mbaika (Devolution), Governors Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta) Raphael Munyua (Deputy Governor Lamu) and Francis Thoya (Deputy Governor, Mombasa).

Senators present are Danson Mungatana- (Tana River) Members of the National Assembly Mohammed Ali (Nyali) Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Ruweida Obo (Lamu East) Stanley Muthama- (Lamu West), Feisal Bader (Msambweni), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), John Bwire (Taveta), Peter Shake (Mwatate), Abdi Chome (Voi).