We are ready to fight drug abuse at Coast, say leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho at the County stand where he toured before he officially opened the Mombasa International Agricultural show in Mombasa August 27, 2015. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • In Mombasa, County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said all hotspots have been mapped out in readiness for the  crackdown which he hinted, would be launched by the President.
  • Mr Awiti said drug abuse in his constituency had reached alarming levels and asked all leaders from the region to support the president’s initiative.
  • Leaders in Kilifi say they are all set for the fight. Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga noted drugs are a threat to the current generation and must be dealt with.

Leaders at the Coast say they are all set to fight drug abuse in the region as recently directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In Mombasa, County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said all hotspots have been mapped out in readiness for the  crackdown which he hinted, would be launched by the President.

Mr Marwa and MPs, Awiti Boro (Nyali) and Abdulswamad Sheriff (Mvita) said the campaign will start any time.

The county boss called on residents to support the initiative.

Mr Marwa, who spoke after a meeting with leaders from Old Town at Fort Jesus yesterday, said a special security team will be formed to lead the crackdown.

Mr Sheriff  said the operation would start at the Old Town and Majengo. “We have agreed to mobilise residents to give the information we need after which the special team will swing into action. We do not want to work like rogue police officers who have already been compromised by peddlers,” Mr Sheriff said.

Mr Awiti said drug abuse in his constituency had reached alarming levels and asked all leaders from the region to support the president’s initiative.

“We are all supporting this initiative to eliminate these murderers. Drug lords are murderers. In my constituency, there are daylight markets where drugs are sold at Ziwa la Ng’ombe, Uwanja wa Mbuzi, Mkomani, Uwanja wa Bangi and other areas,” said the MP.

In Kwale, county assembly health committee chairman Kassim Pojjo said the drug problem had cost the county millions of shillings. The county has spent at least Sh11 million to set up a rehabilitation centre in Kombani among other costs.

INJECT THEMSELVES

A survey by an NGO called Teens Watch Organisation shows Kwale has over 3,000 drug users who inject themselves or sniff cocaine and heroin.

Lamu governor Issa Timamy and acting County Commissioner Fredrick Ndambuki said a major campaign is in the offing to make the county drug-free.

“Many youths in Lamu are hooked to drugs and this has pushed most of them into crime. No one would be spared in this war,” said Mr Timamy who spoke in Mpeketoni during the county education day.

“A special unit will be on the lookout to report any people selling drugs. We want to cultivate a culture of responsibility and hard work among our people so we can move forward in development,’’ said Mr Timamy.

Mr Ndambuki urged residents to cooperate in the crackdown.

“Drug abuse among youth is still a challenge. Youths in Lamu town and Lamu East Sub-County are using bhang and cocaine. We will fight the menace at whatever cost,” said Mr Ndambuki.

Leaders in Kilifi say they are all set for the fight. Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga noted drugs are a threat to the current generation and must be dealt with.

DRUG LORDS

“We must act now. Security agents and other stakeholders must make sure we deal with the problem from the roots,” deputy speaker Teddy Mwambire said.

“If the drug lords are not be arrested, the war will not be won. As leaders, we have the obligation to ensure our streets are free of drugs,” Mr Mwambire said.

County Police Commander Douglas Kanja said all leaders and stakeholders in Kilifi County will be engaged in the crackdown.

“We shall work with everyone, including NGOs. Our aim is to make sure drugs are eradicated, at the Coast,” said Mr Kanja.

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa said the war will be won if stringent measures are put in place. “We are assuring both the national and county governments of our support in this campaign,” Sheikh Khalifa told journalists in Mombasa yesterday,