President William Ruto has unveiled legal reforms that would introduce the death penalty for individuals convicted of trafficking hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine, as the government intensifies its war on narcotics and illicit alcohol amid growing concern over youth addiction.
Speaking in Kimumu, Uasin Gishu County, the President condemned traffickers for profiting from addiction while shielding their own families from harm, describing the practice as morally indefensible and a threat to Kenya’s future. He noted that current laws, which impose fines as low as KSh1 million, have failed to deter the trade.
“People who are selling heroin and cocaine are destroying our children. They don’t use them, their own children don’t use them, yet they sell them to other people’s children. We are now changing the law to make it a capital offence. Those found guilty would face the ultimate penalty,” Ruto said.
ALSO READ:
CS Duale calls for parental vigilance in combating drug abuse among learners
The proposed legislation will also empower the state to confiscate assets linked to the drug and illicit alcohol trade, including vehicles and property acquired through illegal proceeds. “The assets of these individuals, including the vehicles they use left, right and centre to transport illegal alcohol, will be confiscated. If you are caught transporting illicit alcohol, that vehicle will become government property,” he added.
Ruto told Members of Parliament that the proposal will soon be tabled for debate, urging them to prepare for its passage. “It is not possible to continue like this when so many children have been lost,” he said.
In his New Year’s address, the President emphasised the sale of substance abuse and gambling addiction as a national crisis, citing official data that more than 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15–65 use at least one substance of abuse.
“Alcohol and drug abuse have become a clear and present danger to Kenya’s health, security and economic future. One in every three Kenyan men in this age group uses drugs or alcohol. Among young adults aged 25 to 35, our most productive population, one in five is affected,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Why understanding the flow of the syllabus is essential before critiquing the three school systems
The President’s remarks come just as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni raised serious concerns about learners engaging in drug and substance abuse during the holiday period. Both officials have highlighted strong measures to combat the growing problem among students, warning that the crisis threatens Kenya’s education system and the wellbeing of young people.
Ruto reiterated that the scale of the crisis, affecting an estimated five million Kenyans, is unsustainable. “I am ready to deal with the consequences. We need to have a country of order. So many families and parents are going through hell because of drugs, cocaine and alcohol abuse. As a society led by government, we must stand up together and say no to drugs,” he said.
By Masaki Enock
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
