Leaders from coast region accuse Kenyan government of protecting drug barons

Mombasa County leaders led by Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif have accused the national government of failing to apprehend drug barons in the region despite controlling the security resources in the country.

The leaders alleged that the national government was protecting drug barons in the coastal region.

Abdulswamad made the remarks on Tuesday March 5, 2024 during the official launch of the Ksh600 million Elimu Fund to benefit 44,000 students at Shree Shamji Kalidas Savani Assembly Hall in Majengo, Mvita constituency.

At the same time, the Mombasa governor dared deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to arrest drug lords instead of threatening them.

“You have all the resources to arrest the drug barons and since when will you cease from hoodwinking the public and arrest those people and parade them for all to see.

“If you have failed, we shall constitute our own team to do that job,” he said.

In addition, the Mombasa governor claimed that the national government has information on all drug lords operating in the Coast region.

As part of addressing the drugs issue, the Mombasa governor noted that his government had started programs such as taking street children back to school.

“We are dividing Mombasa into villages and the administrators will be under the county payroll so that we fight the drug menace.

“If you have failed, come to me and I’ll show you how to deal with drug dealers without guns, prisons, and security intelligence,” he added.

The event was attended by senator Mohamed Faki, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri and woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed.

Senator Faki challenged the County assembly to come up with laws that will aid in controlling the sale of muguka and miraa.

“In Kilifi County, they have laws to regulate the sale of muguka and we should follow suit to save our children,” said Senator Faki.

At the same time, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko accused Gachagua of politicising the weighty issue of illicit drugs, adding that it was the national government that had the required personnel and resources to eradicate the illicit trade.

“DP Gachagua was here recently and unfortunately, he said some leaders were missing in his meeting because they are associated with drug barons, but I want to tell him that it is not a must for all leaders to attend his meeting.

“Gachagua should know that all his officers from the national government and police officers know where the drugs are sold,” she said.

She added that the illicit drug business was benefiting many senior government officials and that it was becoming difficult to control.

“We have reported people to the authorities but they don’t want to fight it because none of their children is a victim. Let’s stop the rhetoric and start action. You came here but what can we see of your coming. How many have you arrested,” she said.

The Likoni MP threatened to lead a women’s protest to the State House until the national government acts on the illicit drugs in the country.

Her sentiments were echoed by Mombasa woman representative Zamzam Mohamed who said that the drugs issue was currently being used by the national government to politicise public functions.