Duale calls for crackdown on drug peddlers in Garissa

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale interacts with some of the graduands.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on security agencies in Garissa to conduct an aggressive crackdown on individuals involved in the sale and distribution of drugs in the county.

Speaking while presiding over the 10th graduation ceremony of Madrassa-tul-Munawar Al-Islamiya in Bula Madina within Garissa Township, Duale said the rate at which young people are consuming drugs was alarming and could not be allowed to continue unchecked.

He warned that rising substance abuse among the youth poses a serious threat to society saying that it was a major contributor to insecurity and other social problems.

“As a government, we will not accept to have a few selfish individuals in our midst who are only interested in making money at the expense of our children by selling them drugs and completely ruining their lives. These drug peddlers are well known and they must be arrested and taken to court,” Duale said.

The former Garissa Township MP called on the security apparatus, led by County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, to move with speed and ensure all those involved in the drug trade are apprehended and prosecuted.

“This will not happen in Garissa or anywhere else in Kenya. The President has already given direction on this matter. County Commissioner and your team, you must act decisively and deal with this drug menace once and for all. Get the real drug peddlers and take them to court,” Duale said.

Bhang, cocaine, shisha, muguka and miraa are among the most commonly abused drugs in Garissa.

The situation has seen Garissa listed by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) among counties affected by substance abuse.

“Just yesterday, I watched a heart-wrenching video of a victim who was stabbed while walking home from the mosque. We cannot continue living in a situation where people move in fear and are unable to go about their normal businesses,” Duale said.

The CS urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in guiding and monitoring their children, noting that the responsibility of protecting young people begins at home.

He also called on religious leaders to work closely with county and regional administrators from the Interior Ministry to eradicate the drug menace in Garissa.

Mwabudzo, who was also present, directed chiefs and their assistants to work closely with Nyumba Kumi elders to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of selling and distributing drugs.

In mid-2024, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), in collaboration with the National Police Service, the county government and Nacada, launched a major crackdown targeting kiosks, shops and individuals involved in drug peddling and selling of illicit brews.

The operation followed government directives aimed at eradicating illicit liquor and drugs, including the cancellation of second-generation alcohol manufacturing licenses and the closure of alcohol outlets located near schools.

Several suspects were arrested and arraigned in court during the crackdown.