Addicts: Uhuru cracks the whip

President Uhuru Kenyatta has given the anti-drugs abuse agency 14 days to start rehabilitating addicts in Mombasa.

He was disappointed that rehabilitation had been delayed since January when he ordered it.

During his Coast tour then, the President ordered a crackdown on drug trafficking and illicit brews. He directed leaders to get involved in the rehabilitation of all addicts.

He was also present when two vessels were blown up with explosives because they brought in cocaine worth billions of shillings. Mombasa is suspected to be home to more than 25,000 drug users.

On Tuesday, National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) chairman John Mututho and director Sheikh Juma Ngao inspected the National Youth Service camp in Miritini where the rehabilitation centre is to be set up.

Mr Mututho confirmed the President had ordered them to start the rehabilitation or lose their jobs.

“This has dragged on since 2014 and the President is not happy about it. He was clear that should we delay it, he will sack all of us. He is very serious about it and I can tell you people will lose their jobs if they dillydally. As for me, I will play my part so that I am not a victim,” he said.

Mr Mututho said tents would be set up and two dormitories being used by youth service staff converted into wards to rehabilitate at least 200 drug users every two weeks.

LANGUISHING IN ADDICTION

“We are starting with what we have because we cannot keep waiting to set up an ultramodern facility when our youth are languishing in addiction. At least 200 drug users will be admitted here in the next three days,” he said. He blamed the delay to boardroom wars at Nacada .

“The president has done his part by suppressing the supply of drugs but the demand is still there. By rehabilitating the users, we will ensure that we cut off demand,” he said.

On Monday night, the Mombasa County inspectorate raided Old Town, Majengo and Shimanzi where they arrested 36 youth and recovered 48 rolls of bhang and other drugs.

“We are going to work under this same cooperation with the national police officers to ensure that we eliminate these people. We have to be focused in this fight on drugs,” said the County Director of Inspectorate Naheed Musa after the raid, which occurred just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said the government was working on plans to develop centres to take care of drug addicts at the Coast.

Mr Ngao said rehabilitation would only succeed if those quitting drug abuse were given jobs.

“I urge the government to ensure that those who come out of this centre don’t relapse. This will be the first step in protecting our youth,” he said.