CS Murkomen Pledges Firm Action Against Drugs Following President’s 2026 New Year Address

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hailed 2025 as a transformative year for Kenya, saying the country has laid a firm foundation for socioeconomic takeoff and has begun reaping the benefits of difficult but necessary reforms.

Murkomen spoke after joining President William Samoei Ruto at Eldoret State Lodge for the delivery of the 2026 New Year message, in which the Head of State outlined key priorities for the year ahead.

“The year 2025 has been truly transformative for our country. It is the year we completed the foundation for a strong socioeconomic takeoff and began reaping the dividends of our hard choices,” Murkomen said.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to ensuring a secure and enabling environment for development, in line with the President’s vision for the country.

A key focus of the government in 2026, Murkomen said, will be the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, which he described as an emergency threatening the social fabric of the nation and undermining economic progress.

“To protect our children and safeguard our nation from alcohol and drug abuse, we will implement to the letter the far-reaching measures announced by the President,” he said.

Among the measures highlighted are the strengthening and full resourcing of the Anti-Narcotics Unit, enhanced capacity for the Border Police Unit, and the freezing and seizure of assets used in or acquired through drug-related crimes.

Murkomen also underscored the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and collusion with criminal networks, noting that any public officer found facilitating, protecting or working with drug traffickers or illicit alcohol syndicates will face immediate prosecution and dismissal from service.

“The era of impunity is over. Anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The Interior CS commended President Ruto for what he termed timely and bold reforms, saying they demonstrate strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of Kenyans.

“These reforms send a clear message that this government is determined to protect its people and secure the future of our nation,” Murkomen said.