DP Gachagua orders arrest of drug barons within two weeks

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed security teams at the Coast Region to arrest and prosecute barons of narcotics within two weeks. 

Speaking while closing a consultative conference on alcohol and drug abuse at the ASK Grounds, Mombasa County, the DP warned that laxity will not be tolerated.

”The commitment of this administration to eradicating crime is unparalleled. Within two weeks, we must get rid of this problem, we want to see people in court," he said. 

“The issue of orders from above and phone calls ended on September 13, 2022 when President William Ruto was sworn in. The President cannot make a call allowing drugs, and I cannot. This is not my war. I was asked to lead by the President because we cannot lose a generation. “

The Coast Region is among the most affected by the consumption of narcotics, mostly hard drugs, which the government seeks to eradicate. 

The consultative meeting established the need for proper enforcement of the laws regulating the sale of alcohol and eradicating narcotics. The DP called on the security teams in the region to utilise the  penal code, CPC and Evidence Act to deal with the menace. He also tasked the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to map out pharmacies and chemists operating illegally which the national government will shut down. 

DP Rigathi …” Pharmacy and poison’s board, map out the licensed outlets utupatie, we shall close the rest for you. “

“The problem by and large is enforcement. Hizi madawa wenye kuuza mnajua, pahali zinapitia mnajua, vile zinauzwa mnajua. Tunataka kusikia ya kwamba kazi imefanyika.”

“Mko na vitabu yote tatu ya kufanya kazi penal code, CPC, evidence act fanyeni kazi yenu.”

Among the resolutions identified is asking the National government adminstration officers in dealing with the menace at the grassroots. 

DP Rigathi …”We are going to work on the mechanism to reinstate authority for our chief’s administratively and make sure our NGAO officers are supported by armed officers so that we containcrimes.”

The Deputy President also called on NACADA to conduct a proper assessment of the veracity of the menace in the community to allow the government to make informed and accurate decisions. 

The DP was accompanied by several leaders from both the National and county government led by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. CS Kindiki warned state officers abetting drug abuse saying the government will get rid of them.

CS Kindiki…”We consider those in that chain as enemies of Kenya and participants in organised crime and we have placed them in the same category as terrorists, bandits and extremists. They are doing the same harm to our country.We will go hard on them. I see no reason why we should not borrow the approach we use on these terrorists to use in the fight against drug abuse. I see no reason why a vehicle which has been used to transport drugs is not to be forfeited. Buildings used to store forfeited too.”

“Our brothers in the interior when we catch up with you, you will be an example of how criminals should be treated. “

Political leaders accompanying the DP promised to support the campaign to end drugs. 

After the conference, the deputy president opened a 12 classroom tuition block at the Frere town primary school constructed by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali through the NGCDF. 

The DP called on all leaders to support development of the education institution to create a conducive environment  for learning.