Ruto Declares War on Drugs Amid ‘Uwongo’ Chants from Crowd
President William Ruto has vowed to eradicate drug abuse in Kenya, even as crowds in Isiolo expressed skepticism by chanting “uwongo” (lies) during his speech.
During his visit to Garbatulla and Isiolo town on Friday, Ruto wrapped up his tour of the North Eastern region by addressing the issue of drug trafficking.
He urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action to eliminate cross-border drug smuggling, which he said has been a major problem in the area.
The president declared that his administration would deport foreigners who enter Kenya to sell drugs. “We have a serious problem in Isiolo and Marsabit, where individuals from other countries are bringing drugs and selling them to our children,” he stated.
However, as he spoke, sections of the crowd interrupted him with chants of “uwongo.”
The gathering became tense as some young people engaged in shouting matches, prompting Ruto to accuse drug cartels of sponsoring the disruption. “I know that drug dealers have paid some youth to come here and cause chaos.
But let me warn you—this government cannot be threatened. We will not allow foreigners to turn Isiolo into a drug hub,” he said firmly.
Despite the interruptions, Ruto remained steadfast in his message, assuring residents that his administration would not allow Kenyan children to be exposed to drugs. “We will not permit anyone to sell drugs to our children, whether in Isiolo or any other part of Kenya,” he asserted.
He emphasized that his government would take strong measures against drug dealers, warning that those involved in the illegal trade would face severe consequences.
For years, Marsabit and Isiolo counties have been known as major transit routes for bhang smuggling from neighboring Ethiopia, worsening drug abuse in the region.
Earlier in the day, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo faced hostility from the crowd when she attempted to address residents.
As soon as she took the microphone, a section of the audience started chanting, “Dullo must go,” forcing her to cut her speech short.
In Isiolo and Marsabit, the most commonly abused substances include alcohol, khat (miraa), bhang (cannabis), and heroin.
Alcohol and khat are widely used due to their cultural acceptance and easy availability. However, drug abuse, especially among the youth, has been rising, with bhang consumption becoming increasingly common.
Reports indicate that heroin use has also been growing, particularly in Isiolo, where narcotics are smuggled in through the porous borders from neighboring countries.
According to a 2022 report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), alcohol is the most abused substance in Kenya, followed by tobacco and khat.
The study revealed that one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 uses at least one drug or addictive substance.
With drug addiction becoming a national crisis, Ruto’s government now faces the challenge of implementing effective measures to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
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