Residents of Ngurweini village, Kandara, Murang`a County are deeply alarmed over rising cases of abuse of bhang, alcohol and other drugs in their community and its devastating impact on youth and teenagers.
Kimani Guchu, a village elder observes that the unchecked menace affecting the younger generation is growing day by day and the government needs to move with speed and redeem a generation that is on the verge of being wiped out.
“The number of youths and teenagers that are involved in this menace is growing by day and it cannot be compared to the past 5 years,” he says.
“There are also numerous cases of truancy and school drop outs which poses a security threat as an idle young man or woman is more likely to engage in petty crimes and indulge in drug and substance abuse leading to dangerous cycles of addiction.
“The once peaceful neighborhoods are now grappling with issues tied to drug abuse as it is even being sold in the open without fear,” he laments.
A devastated parent Mary Wambui, a mother of three shares how her eldest son dropped out of school and got into drug abuse last year and is now barely home.
“He started using bhang and idling with like friends and our lives have not been the same because he will often come home and pick household hold items, farm produce or anything he stumbles upon to sell so as to fund his habit “she said.
“As it is now, he is also a security threat to his younger brothers as judgement is often impaired and he tends to be violent at times though I hope the latter will not emulate him,” she adds fighting tears.
The area has also experienced a security lapse in the recent past with cases of mugging and home break- ins becoming a nightmare to residents.
“I believe that the increased abuse of bhang is leading to the insecurity in this region because a few years ago there were no such cases, peace reigned but today there are areas you cannot go at night because chances are you will be robbed, raped or even killed” observes Jane Muthoni, another resident.
“These youths are not in any meaningful employment and want quick money so they steal from people and break into their homes,” she added.
George Kinyua, a religious leader with one of the churches in the area suggests that perhaps only religious intervention would solve the problem and its therefore paramount for all denominations to unite for a special prayer day before things get worse.
“We cannot afford to lose an entire generation to drugs and alcohol, lets therefore come together and reason as one because these are our children “he says.
The residents have called on the local authorities to move with speed and curb the menace as the suppliers are well known within the community.
“All those involved in the processing and supply of these drugs must be apprehended and face the full force of law “he says.
Collaboration between the authorities, parents, religious leaders, village elders and the youth are very important as it will help greatly in elimination of this menace,” Kinyua observed.
By Florence Kinyua and Jeffrey Kakai