Ruto Vows Hardline War on Drug Dealers, Threatens Deportation of Ethiopian Drug Lords

President William Ruto has vowed to end the drug menace in the country amid chants from crowds in Isiolo. The president witnessed a crowd that chanted ‘uwongo’ to his promises and declarations.

Speaking in Garbatulla and Isiolo town as he concluded his tour of the North Eastern region on Friday, the Head of State called on relevant authorities to eliminate cross-border drug trade.

Ruto announced the country will deport all those who enter the country to sell drugs. “Here in Isiolo and Marsabit, we have had challenges with people from other countries bringing in drugs to our children,” he said as the crowd around him shouted ‘uwongo’.

Sections of youth from rival political camps engaged in shouting matches, which prompted Ruto to claim that some had been sent by drug dealers to disrupt the meeting.

“I am aware that drug dealers have sent the youth to come and cause a disturbance at this meeting. Be warned, young people—you cannot threaten the government. A foreigner cannot come and turn Isiolo into a drug den. It won’t happen,” Ruto said.

Ruto was undeterred and went on to assert, “There will be no child in Kenya who will be sold drugs here in Isiolo or any other section of Kenya.”

Ruto warned that his administration would not condone drug peddlers and dealers who are targeting the youth. For years, Marsabit and Isiolo have been transit routes for bhang trafficking from neighbouring Ethiopia.

Earlier in the day, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo got heckled in front of Ruto as she rose to speak to address area residents of Isiolo. The crowd began to chant, “Dullo Must Go” as she took the microphone to address them. 

In Marsabit and Isiolo counties, the most commonly abused substances include alcohol, khat (miraa), bhang (cannabis), and heroin. Alcohol and Khat are particularly prevalent due to their cultural acceptance and widespread availability.

Bhang is also commonly used, with reports indicating its increased consumption among the youth. Heroin use has been on the rise, especially in Isiolo, where narcotics are often trafficked through porous borders from neighbouring countries.

According to the 2022 report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), alcohol remains the most widely used substance in Kenya, followed by tobacco and khat. The report indicates that one in every six Kenyans aged 15 to 65 is currently using at least one drug or substance of abuse.