The government is calling booze and drugs a national emergency, promising a major crackdown. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen declared 2026 a pivotal year for freeing youth from substance abuse, vowing to dismantle trafficking networks. This follows President Ruto's directive to massively expand the police Anti-Narcotics Unit.
Plans include boosting the unit's officers from two hundred to seven hundred, with better surveillance and financial investigation tools. Murkomen emphasized that a country cannot develop if its productive population is addicted. He also pushed county governments to each build at least one rehabilitation center for treatment and reintegration.
Ruto labeled the crisis a threat to public health and security, citing widespread use among young people. The strengthened unit will target high-level syndicates, with seized assets funding rehab programs. A sharp warning was issued to any public official colluding with traffickers, promising prosecution and immediate dismissal. Recent months have already seen nationwide raids and arrests, signaling a tougher enforcement stance.
Plans include boosting the unit's officers from two hundred to seven hundred, with better surveillance and financial investigation tools. Murkomen emphasized that a country cannot develop if its productive population is addicted. He also pushed county governments to each build at least one rehabilitation center for treatment and reintegration.
Ruto labeled the crisis a threat to public health and security, citing widespread use among young people. The strengthened unit will target high-level syndicates, with seized assets funding rehab programs. A sharp warning was issued to any public official colluding with traffickers, promising prosecution and immediate dismissal. Recent months have already seen nationwide raids and arrests, signaling a tougher enforcement stance.
