Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has instructed the security forces in the Coastal Region to arrest and bring to justice drug dealers within two weeks.
Speaking after a meeting addressing alcohol and drug abuse in Mombasa County, he emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards such criminal activities.
“We’re serious about fighting crime.
In just two weeks, we want to see these drug dealers in court,” he declared.
Gachagua highlighted a shift from past practices, stating, “The days of ‘orders from above’ are over.
President Ruto and I won’t tolerate drug trafficking. This is a fight for our future generations.”
The Coastal Region, severely impacted by drug consumption, is a focal point for the government’s eradication efforts. The meeting identified the necessity for stringent enforcement of alcohol regulations and the elimination of narcotics.
After a candid conversation with key stakeholders at the Coast Region Conference on Ending Illicit Brews and Drugs Abuse, today, in Mombasa, we have made a bold decision to sort out this menace, together, once and for all, to save generations from extinction.
President William… pic.twitter.com/846IItidPi
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) February 26, 2024
Gachagua urged the security teams to utilize legal frameworks effectively, stating, “Make use of the penal code, CPC, and Evidence Act. We need concrete action.”
He also tasked the Pharmacy and Poisons Board with identifying and shutting down illegal pharmacies and chemists.
Addressing law enforcement challenges, he stressed, “Enforcement is key. We know where drugs are sold and how they circulate. We want to see tangible results.”
The conference resolutions included empowering local government officers to tackle drug-related issues at the grassroots level.
Gachagua announced plans to bolster administrative authority for chiefs and support National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) with armed assistance to combat crime effectively.
He called on NACADA to conduct thorough assessments of drug-related issues within communities, enabling informed government decisions.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, joining the initiative, warned against state officers involved in drug activities, equating them with terrorists and bandits.
Political leaders pledged support for the anti-drug campaign.
After the event, Gachagua inaugurated a new school building, urging continued support for educational development.
In essence, Deputy President Gachagua’s directives underscore a firm stance against drug trafficking and a commitment to securing a safer future for the nation.