Civil Society, Clergy Urge Institutional Reforms as Ruto Intensifies Fight Against Drugs
“Hundreds of youths are struggling with addiction. Enforcement alone is not enough—we need rehabilitation, prevention and sustainable support systems,” Sheikh Bini
Kimutai Kirui of the Centre Against Torture (CAT) and Sheikh Abubakar Bini, Chairperson of the Council of Imams and Islamic Preachers of North Rift, address members of the media in Eldoret, where they welcomed President William Ruto’s New Year’s Eve speech while calling for tougher action and institutional reforms to curb drug abuse and illicit alcohol. Photo by Gideon Ngeno.
Human rights organisations and religious leaders in the North Rift have welcomed President William Ruto’s New Year’s Eve address to the nation, praising his firm stance on the growing crisis of drug abuse and illicit alcohol.
The address, delivered at State Lodge Eldoret on December 31, saw President Ruto raise alarm over the rising consumption of narcotics and illegal brews, terming it a serious national threat that is destroying families, fueling insecurity, and robbing the country of productive youth. The President pledged that his administration would intensify the crackdown on those involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of illicit alcohol and drugs, warning that no one would be spared, regardless of status or political influence.
Speaking in Eldoret on Thursday, leaders drawn from civil society and faith-based institutions said the President’s remarks reflected the reality on the ground and resonated strongly with communities grappling with the effects of substance abuse.
Kimutai Kirui of the Centre Against Torture (CAT) said the President had demonstrated political goodwill by openly acknowledging the role played by powerful individuals in sustaining the illegal trade.
“We commend the President for speaking boldly about drug abuse and illicit alcohol. For a long time, this vice has been protected by some politicians and wealthy individuals, making it difficult to eliminate,” Kirui said.
Kirui, however, warned that the problem runs deeper, alleging that rogue politicians have infiltrated key government institutions, including the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the National Police Service, using compromised officers to protect and advance their illicit businesses.
“Some politicians have captured government institutions such as NACADA and even sections of the police service. They use officers within these institutions to support their illegal drug and alcohol trade, while frustrating genuine officers and undermining government efforts to fight this menace,” Kirui warned.
He called on law enforcement agencies and oversight bodies to act decisively and independently, saying failure to address institutional sabotage would continue to derail the war against drugs and illicit alcohol.
Echoing the sentiments, Sheikh Abubakar Bini, Chairperson of the Council of Imams and Islamic Preachers of North Rift, urged the government to match tough rhetoric with bold institutional reforms.
“The President spoke the truth. Drugs and illegal alcohol have destroyed many families and pushed our youth into crime and hopelessness,” Sheikh Bini said. “However, institutions mandated to fight this menace must be strengthened and restructured to deliver results.”
The leaders reiterated their call for changes at NACADA, arguing that the agency requires renewed leadership, integrity safeguards and a clear, community-driven strategy to address the crisis effectively.
They further urged the government to invest in rehabilitation, counselling and economic empowerment programmes targeting young people already affected by substance abuse.
“Hundreds of youths are struggling with addiction. Enforcement alone is not enough—we need rehabilitation, prevention and sustainable support systems,” Sheikh Bini added.
The leaders expressed optimism that President Ruto’s New Year’s Eve commitment would translate into concrete action, noting that winning the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs is critical to safeguarding the future of the country.
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