Murkomen: Government Launches Unprecedented War on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The Government has intensified its fight against alcohol and drug abuse, describing the crisis as a national emergency that demands the collective action of all Kenyans.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the findings had exposed the alarming scale of addiction across the country, cutting across age, social class and region.

“The crisis of alcohol and drug abuse facing our nation demands society’s collective action,” Murkomen said, noting that the report presented to President William Samoei Ruto laid bare the devastating impact of addiction on families, communities and the economy.

Following the report, President Ruto directed a firm, coordinated and uncompromising response from all government agencies. Murkomen said this would include unprecedented measures aimed at dismantling the criminal networks behind illicit drugs and alcohol.

Among the actions to be taken is the seizure of property belonging to drug traffickers and the declaration of all proceeds from the trade as crime-related assets. “We will go after the financiers, the distributors and all those who profit from the destruction of our people’s lives,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary further warned that the government would exercise zero tolerance for corruption within its own ranks. Any public officer found facilitating, protecting or colluding with drug traffickers or illicit alcohol syndicates will face prosecution and immediate dismissal from public service.

“This fight cannot succeed if there are rogue officials undermining enforcement from within. We will act decisively against anyone who betrays the public trust,” Murkomen said.

While reaffirming the government’s resolve, the Interior CS emphasized that enforcement alone would not be sufficient. He called on citizens of all political persuasions, faith leaders, community groups and families to actively participate in preventing and addressing substance abuse.

“This menace affects virtually every family. It is not a political issue; it is a national one,” he said, urging parents, educators and community leaders to play a proactive role in prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Murkomen said the government would continue to work with counties, civil society and development partners to strengthen rehabilitation programmes and public awareness campaigns, as part of a whole-of-society approach to defeating alcohol and drug abuse.

“Our message is clear,” he concluded. “We will be relentless against traffickers and their accomplices, and we call upon every Kenyan to stand with us in safeguarding the future of our nation.”