Murkomen's Aide Rallies Rift Valley Youth to Fight Drug Abuse Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Wasike Elvis 

 Meshack Kiplagat, the Personal Assistant to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has called for stronger collaboration between young people, institutions, and leaders to tackle the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse while promoting unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking after attending a roundtable meeting of the Rift Youth Leadership Network in Eldoret on Saturday evening, Kiplagat said the forum brought together student leaders from various tertiary institutions and youth representatives from across the Rift Valley to discuss issues affecting the region's youth.

He said the meeting focused on practical strategies for engaging young people in the fight against drug and substance abuse, describing the vice as one of the biggest threats to the country's future.

"Our conversations centered around practical strategies for collaborating with young people to combat drug and substance abuse in our society," Kiplagat said.

He noted that participants also emphasized the need to strengthen unity and social cohesion among young people as the country gradually gears up for the 2027 General Election.

According to Kiplagat, fostering peaceful coexistence and encouraging responsible leadership among the youth will be key in ensuring a stable and issue-based political environment.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of sports, games, music, and other creative industries in nurturing talent while providing productive opportunities that keep young people away from crime, drugs, and other social vices.

Participants also discussed sustainable youth empowerment initiatives aimed at equipping young people with employable skills, expanding economic opportunities, and encouraging greater participation in civic and community affairs.

Kiplagat reiterated that empowering young people through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and mentorship remains essential for the country's development, urging stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to invest more in youth-focused programs.

The Rift Youth Leadership Network continues to provide a platform for dialogue between young leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders on issues affecting the youth, with a focus on leadership, peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and social transformation.