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Parents, teachers and community leaders have been urged to unite against drugs and youth crime in Homa Bay
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The call was made by County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi, who said increasing cases of drug abuse among the youth require a collective response from families, schools and government agencies.
Parents, teachers and community leaders have been challenged to strengthen efforts to protect young people from drug abuse and criminal gangs in Homa Bay County.
The challenge comes amid growing concern over emerging social challenges among residents in the region.
County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi said increasing cases of drug abuse among the youth require a collective response from families, schools and government agencies.
“It is regrettable that abuse of drugs, especially bhang, has taken root among sections of our youthful population. We must act before more lives are destroyed,” Mwiwawi said.
Speaking in Homabay town, He warned that drug traffickers were becoming more sophisticated in concealing narcotics, including using sanitary pads to transport illegal substances.
The County Commissioner urged schools to strengthen anti-drug awareness programmes, saying substance abuse contributes to indiscipline and unrest among learners.
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“We must support our schools in preventing drug abuse because it is one of the factors contributing to cases of unrest and indiscipline,” he said.
With the country edging closer to the General Election, Mwiwawi also expressed concern over reports of young people being recruited into criminal gangs for political purposes.
“It is alarming to witness boys as young as 15 years being recruited into gangs for hire by some politicians. We are equally concerned by the recruitment of young girls and women into groups commonly referred to as ‘Sangwenyas’,” he said.
He warned that security agencies would not tolerate political violence or criminal gangs.
“Our security teams are fully prepared to deal firmly with anyone involved in criminal activities to ensure peace prevails,” Mwiwawi said.
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He appealed to parents to remain actively involved in the upbringing of their children.
“The interests of the child must always come first so that every young person gets the opportunity to realize his or her full potential,” he said.
Secretary of Public Communications Patricia Ondeng, representing Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, also attended the event.
By Kimutai Langat
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