Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a bold promise to shut Kenya's borders to hard drugs within one year if elected. During an event in the US, Gachagua stated that his administration would prioritize the fight against narcotics, targeting substances such as heroin, cocaine, and cannabis sativa. He emphasized that achieving this goal would require political goodwill and firm action by the government and security agencies. Gachagua's pledge is part of his emerging political platform as he seeks to position himself around issues of security, governance, and social welfare.
Gachagua pointed to his previous campaign against illicit alcohol as evidence that his administration could deliver on the promise. He claimed that within one year, his campaign against illicit brews was 70 per cent successful. He believes that the same approach can be applied to the fight against narcotics, with security agencies expected to intensify surveillance at Kenya's borders and target networks involved in trafficking. Gachagua's administration would also regulate the alcohol industry, which he says is currently unregulated and contributes to excessive drinking.
The former deputy president questioned the impact of a culture in which alcohol outlets operate for extended hours, arguing that the government needs to strike a balance between the industry and the welfare of citizens. He recalled his childhood and how alcohol advertising was previously associated with work and leisure. Gachagua expressed concern that today's culture has changed, with alcohol now being consumed excessively, and he believes that this needs to be addressed.
Gachagua's remarks come amid continuing concerns over drug trafficking and substance abuse in Kenya. Law enforcement agencies regularly report seizures of narcotics at border points, airports, and along major transport routes. Kenya's strategic location along the Indian Ocean and its extensive road and air connections have made the country a transit point for illicit drugs destined for other markets, according to authorities.
The proposed measures would form part of a broader agenda to address social problems affecting families and communities. Gachagua emphasized that tackling the problem of narcotics would require political commitment rather than declarations alone. He maintained that his proposed one-year timeline was achievable if the government gave security agencies the necessary support and allowed them to act decisively against traffickers.
Gachagua also linked the fight against narcotics to efforts to regulate the alcohol industry, arguing that reducing access to harmful substances would help protect young people and families. He promised that his administration would strengthen enforcement at Kenya's borders, saying stopping narcotics before they enter the country would be central to the strategy. The proposed crackdown would target both the supply of illegal drugs and the wider environment that allows substance abuse to thrive.
Gachagua's pledge to shut Kenya's borders to hard drugs within one year if elected has been met with interest from Kenyans. His administration's proposed measures would aim to address social problems affecting families and communities. If elected, Gachagua's government would prioritize the fight against narcotics and regulate the alcohol industry to protect young people and families.
Key points
- Gachagua pledges to shut Kenya's borders to hard drugs within one year if elected.
- He cites his previous campaign against illicit alcohol as evidence that his administration can deliver on the promise.
- Gachagua's proposed measures would form part of a broader agenda to address social problems affecting families and communities.
