Murkomen: Alcohol and drugs to blame for Gen Zs’ hateful messages on social media
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns about the mental health struggles affecting young people, particularly those responsible for posting hateful messages on social media.
Speaking during a church service in Makutano, Meru, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Murkomen attributed these issues to substance abuse, specifically drug and alcohol addiction.
“Most of the young people who are writing hateful messages on social media—most of them are struggling with mental health, which has been caused by abuse of drugs and abuse of alcohol,” Murkomen said.
He emphasised that, in some cases, these young people are deeply affected, even isolated at home, using their phones to lash out at others online.
“Sometimes, as an adult, you might search for someone who has insulted you on social media only to discover it’s a severely troubled young person, locked away in their house, using their phone to insult others because they’re looking for attention,” he added.
Murkomen urged the public to be more vigilant about the negative impact of substance abuse in their communities, stressing that it often fuels mental health issues.
He also called on people to take action if they are aware of harmful behaviours in their neighbourhoods.
“I want to urge you: if there’s a woman selling illegal alcohol or a businessman promoting substance abuse in your area, don’t stay silent. Report it to the authorities. Speak to your chiefs,” Murkomen urged.
Drug abuse among youth
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, on March 11, 2025, disclosed that a recent report by the authority indicated that 23 percent of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues accounting for a significant portion of these cases.
He added that the rising cases of illicit drug abuse in Nairobi have heightened concerns over the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of short-term rentals
“Over the past year, multiple reports have emerged of young people having indulged in drugs in bed and breakfast accommodations, in some incidences leading to deadly overdose.
“In Nairobi, a string of such cases has raised alarms about the urgent need for firmer monitoring and regulation of short-term rental accommodations. A report by NACADA indicates that 23% of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with private venues such as Airbnbs accounting for a significant percentage of these cases,” NACADA stated.
