Garissa elders demand crackdown on drug peddlers amid rising insecurity

Religious leaders and elders in Garissa have called on the government to take urgent steps to curb the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in the area, warning that the crisis threatens to wipe out an entire generation.

Speaking during a press conference at a hotel in Garissa town, members of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) expressed deep concern over the continued spread of illicit drugs among the youth.

They said drug abuse was fueling crime and eroding moral values in the community.

NAMLEF chair Sheikh Hassan Amey said the current approach to fighting drugs needed to change and urged all leaders to join forces in the battle against the vice.

"We have local administration officers; the chiefs and their assistants, and the nyumba kumi elders. These are the eyes of the government and they know who are involved in this illegal business. Let us go for them and take them to court," Amey said.

Amey, who also serves on the anti-drug abuse committee, emphasized that religious leaders alone could not handle the crisis and called for stronger partnerships among security agencies, NACADA, and the community.

The elders blamed the increase in drug abuse on the lack of commitment from local leaders and law enforcement agencies.

They accused some officers of turning a blind eye to drug dealers despite receiving intelligence reports from NACADA and residents.

"This can only mean one thing, that the security apparatus who should be on the forefront in ensuring that matters drugs are dealt with in the society have been compromised by those involved in this vice, and this is very serious,” said Dubat Amey, chair of the Livestock Marketing Council.

According to NAMLEF, drugs like bhang, cocaine, and miraa are readily available in the area, with some openly sold in the streets.

This has led to increased cases of daylight robberies and other forms of insecurity.

NAMLEF treasurer Mohamed Hassan said: "We are gathered here to express our concern regarding the unfortunate situation in our town regarding drugs and substance abuse among our youth. Disturbingly, these illicit drugs are being sold openly."

The clerics also criticized some parents for failing to guide their children, pointing out that poor parenting has left many youths vulnerable to drug addiction.

They urged authorities to prioritize awareness campaigns to educate the public on the harmful effects of drug use and strengthen legal action against peddlers.

"This is not a problem for one group to solve. The government, parents, religious leaders, civil society, and all community stakeholders must work together to address this menace," Sheikh Amey said.

He added that the time for empty talk was over and warned that unless urgent action is taken, Garissa could face a lost generation.