Garissa: A section of elders from Garissa have called on security agencies and the relevant bodies to crack down on peddlers of drugs and banned substances in Garissa town and its environs. Led by the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), the elders said that drug and substance abuse in the town has risen to an alarming rate and they cannot sit back as the situation gets out of control.

According to Kenya News Agency, NAMLEF treasurer Mohamed Hassan highlighted that some of the drugs were being sold openly, contributing to a surge in daylight robberies and other serious crimes within the town. Hassan emphasized the need to cut off the supply chain to make significant strides in the war against drug and substance abuse that plagues the society.

NACADA, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, has identified miraa, bhang, and cocaine as the most abused drugs in the county, placing it on their list of counties affected by drug abuse. Hassan warned that if the issue is not urgently addressed, the situation may escalate out of control, compromising efforts to address insecurity in the town and its environs.

The elders criticized local leaders for their lack of action concerning drug abuse and cited a deficiency in public awareness campaigns on the health effects of drug abuse. They also expressed concern over parents and caregivers neglecting their responsibility in guiding their children towards becoming responsible citizens.

Law enforcement officers were also criticized by the elders, who accused them of being complicit in enabling drug-related activities to flourish. Livestock marketing council chair Dubat Amey urged all leaders to spearhead the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the area. Amey called for a collaborative effort among NACADA, law enforcement, and community leaders to develop a homegrown strategy to combat drug abuse.

Amey questioned why suppliers, distributors, and peddlers of drugs are not being arrested despite the availability of information from NACADA and law-abiding citizens. He pointed out the possibility of rogue security officers being compromised by those involved in the vice. Amey stressed that everyone has a role to play in addressing the problem, including parents, the government, religious leaders, and civil society.

Amey concluded that a change in approach is necessary to tackle the menace, warning that the country risks losing an entire generation if urgent action is not taken.