Ruto raises red flag over exploding drug abuse among youth
President William Ruto has raised concerns over the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among Kenyan youth, warning that it poses a serious threat to the country’s future.
He made his remarks on Monday, December 1, 2025 during the Chiefs’ and Assistant Chiefs’ Graduation ceremony held at the National Police College in Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Nairobi County.
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At the time, the President urged leaders, parents, and communities to join hands in combating the growing menace, which he said is destroying lives and derailing the potential of young people who end up dead due to drug abuse.
“Mambo ya madawa ya kulevya ni tatizo ambalo lazima tulikabili kwa pamoja kama taifa, tuanpoteza vijana wengi amabao wanahangahishwa na madawa za kulevya na ulevi,” Ruto said.
Murkomen stern warning
His remarks come just a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen delivered a stern message to parents, urging them to take active roles in guiding and supervising their children, warning that neglect at home has far-reaching consequences on society.
Speaking on Sunday, November 30, 2025, during an interdenominational church service at RCEA Kapkono in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen painted a vivid picture of the dangers children face when left unsupervised, likening them to “chickens let loose” without guidance.
“Tunaenda holiday sahii, watoto wamejaa hapa nyumbani wanaachiliwa kama kuku, hakuna mtu anajua walilala wapi, walilala wakifanya nini, wamelala na nani, wamekunywa nini ndo wakalala. So watoto wengine watakuwa wanakunywa bangi, pombe haramu, na wanafanya unprotected sex, na mwishowe hasara inarudi kwa community,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen recounts his own upbringing
The CS recounted his own upbringing in a devout household, emphasising the role of scripture, fellowship, and disciplined routines in shaping responsible individuals.
He implored parents to emulate this approach, stressing that investing time and care in children helps curb societal ills such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Murkomen also linked parental involvement to national security, arguing that a society with well-guided children reduces vulnerability to crime and substance abuse.
“Na ninawaomba sana, kwa sababu nyinyi ni wakristo. Kuna challenges mingi sana mtapitia kupitia watoto wenu. Nawaomba kama vile mimi nililelewa kwa nyumba ya mzee Mkristo, na nikapewa memory verses, na nikapewa fellowship ya nyumbani, na hata wakati ambao tulikuwa tunafukuzwa tunaenda forest, tulikuwa tunawasha moto na kusoma Biblia tukikazana, ili tukaweze kupata mzingi bora, nawaomba tusisahau watoto wetu,” he said.
