Kenyan Deputy President Plans Anti-Drug Stakeholder Conference in Coastal Region

In an effort to combat the rising menace of drugs and substance abuse, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans for a stakeholder conference in the Coast region. The conference, scheduled to take place before Christmas, aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including political leaders, security agencies, county governments, and religious organizations.

Gachagua, addressing the media in Kilifi, expressed concern about the prevalent drug issue in the Coast region.

He emphasized the importance of collaborative strategies to effectively tackle the problem, citing successful conferences in Rift Valley and Central regions that declared a unified war against illicit brews and drugs.

“We have a problem with drugs at the Coast. I am coming to the Coast before Christmas for a stakeholders’ conference. We will come up with strategies together on ending the menace,” stated Gachagua.

The Deputy President highlighted the economic impact of eradicating drugs in the region, linking it to improved prospects for the local population.

He called on religious leaders to join the cause, expressing the need for collective action against those preying on vulnerable individuals.

“We invite religious people to walk with us. Our children are being destroyed by unscrupulous people. We cannot allow that to continue,” he declared.

Gachagua, spearheading the anti-drug campaign, issued a stern warning to local administrators and security teams, cautioning them against any attempts to sabotage the initiative. He reiterated his commitment to the cause, emphasizing the ongoing crackdown’s positive outcomes.

A month ago, Gachagua went on record stating the government’s intention to dismiss around 100 chiefs across the country by Christmas for negligence in their duties. Despite expressing reluctance to take such measures, he emphasized the necessity of holding individuals accountable for the progress of the anti-drug efforts.