Eldoret Human Rights Activist Strongly Supports Ruto’s Nationwide Crackdown on Illicit Brews and Drugs

 An Eldoret-based human rights activist has come out strongly in support of President William Ruto’s latest measures aimed at eradicating illicit brews and drugs, describing the move as bold, timely, and critical to the country’s social and economic recovery.

Kipkorir Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said the President’s decisive action demonstrates responsible leadership at a time when Kenya is facing widespread social decay linked to substance abuse.

According to Ngetich, illicit alcohol and drugs have caused massive loss of life across the country, destroyed families, increased crime rates, and undermined productivity, particularly among young people.

“President William Ruto has demonstrated rare courage and responsibility by confronting the deadly trade in illicit brews and drugs head-on,” Ngetich said. “This is leadership rooted in wisdom, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, security, and economic suffering of ordinary Kenyans.”

He noted that the tightening of laws and the sealing of long-standing loopholes in enforcement was long overdue, arguing that previous weak regulations had allowed criminal networks to flourish at the expense of public health and national development.

Ngetich said the President’s recent directive and the development of a clear roadmap for the implementation of new rules reflect strong political will and commitment to protecting citizens.

“As Head of State and Government, and as a parent, the President has not lost sight of the serious challenges affecting Kenyan families,” he said. “The collapse of families, rising disease and deaths, increasing poverty, school dropouts, moral decay, and poor service delivery can all be traced, in part, to the unchecked consumption of illicit brews and drugs.”

The human rights activist dismissed claims by critics that the President has failed to deliver, urging them to objectively assess the administration’s actions.

“Those who constantly accuse the President of non-performance should open their eyes and see his personal commitment and willingness to deal with issues that threaten the lives and future of Kenyans,” Ngetich said.

He further described substance abuse as a global pandemic that no responsible leadership can afford to ignore, noting that countries that fail to act decisively risk long-term social and economic collapse.

Ngetich said the crackdown offers renewed hope for hard work, wealth creation, family stability, reduced crime, completion of education, and a better future for the youth, who he described as the biggest casualties of drug and alcohol abuse.

“This is a caring and responsive President who is in touch with reality and capable of taking quick and necessary action,” he added.

However, Ngetich cautioned that the fight against illicit brews and drugs will not be easy, warning that resistance and sabotage are inevitable. He said criminal networks involved in the illegal trade are likely to resort to corruption, bribery, and intimidation to frustrate enforcement efforts.

“The challenge is enormous,” he said. “As the government tightens the noose, criminals are already strategizing ways to escape. We therefore appeal to the President to ensure that there are equally punitive measures against government officers who sabotage the implementation of these new rules.”

He called on the government to take firm action against non-performing and corrupt officers, stressing that the war against illicit brews and drugs cannot be won without internal discipline and accountability.

Ngetich also urged authorities to dismantle the entire network involved in the illegal trade, both within the country and across borders, saying partial enforcement would not yield lasting results.

In addition, the activist appealed to all Kenyans and people of goodwill to support the government and law enforcement agencies by cooperating, sharing information, and rejecting corruption.

“Economic growth and the production of well-trained and educated citizens depend entirely on peace, harmony, security, and a healthy nation,” Ngetich said. “A society whose moral habits reflect violence, addiction, and mental anguish cannot achieve sustainable development.”

He concluded by describing the crackdown as a noble cause and a clarion call for national unity, urging Kenyans to rally behind the government to safeguard the country’s future.

“This is not just a government agenda,” he said. “It is a national responsibility. The success of this fight will determine the kind of society we leave for future generations.”