Wajir religious leaders raise alarm over surge in drug abuse
Religious leaders in Wajir County have raised alarm over the growing prevalence of drug abuse and social vices among the youth, urging both county and national government authorities to take urgent and decisive action.
The elders called for the immediate closure of shops and premises involved in the illegal sale and distribution of narcotic substances, warning that the region is on the brink of a social crisis.
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Speaking to the press in Wajir town on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the religious leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people addicted to substances such as bhang (cannabis sativa), chang’aa (an illicit homemade brew), and a variety of other drugs that are easily accessible within the town and its outskirts.
They accused some local businesses of operating as drug distribution hubs, calling on law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the owners of such establishments.
“Drug abuse is destroying the future of our children. We are witnessing a significant increase in school dropouts, which poses a serious threat to the development and future of Wajir County,” said Sheikh Abass, a senior religious leader who also serves as an advisor to the Wajir County Governor on religious affairs.
According to the elders, bhang is frequently trafficked into the county through porous border points from neighbouring countries, particularly Ethiopia, making it difficult for local security forces to control the inflow. They called for the deployment of more security personnel along the border and greater collaboration between regional governments to disrupt the cross-border drug trade.
In a strong statement, Wajir Municipality Managing Director, Omar Shano, warned that business owners found guilty of selling drugs or using their premises for illegal activities would face serious consequences.
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“Anyone found culpable of engaging in the sale or distribution of drugs will be arrested and prosecuted. They will also have their business licenses revoked and be permanently barred from operating within Wajir County,” said Shano.
The elders further decried the rise of prostitution, particularly among young women, as another pressing social concern. They attributed the trend to increasing poverty, drug addiction, and lack of employment opportunities.
The rise of explicit content sharing on social media platforms, especially TikTok, was also cited as a contributing factor to the erosion of traditional values in the predominantly Muslim community.
“The moral fabric of our society is under threat. We are seeing young women engaging in immoral activities, often encouraged by social media platforms where explicit videos are shared freely. This must be addressed by both community leaders and the government,” said Sheikh Camiri.
The use of bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) by women was also raised as an issue of cultural sensitivity. The elders claimed that the practice, while economically beneficial, posed a challenge to the preservation of conservative Islamic customs that emphasise modesty and gender separation.
The religious leaders were speaking just weeks after a massive consignment of bhang was seized and publicly destroyed by security forces at the Wajir town dumpsite, in what officials described as one of the largest drug seizures in the county’s history.
The public burning was intended as both a warning to traffickers and a reassurance to the public that the authorities are taking the issue seriously.
As the county grapples with these intertwined social challenges—drug addiction, school dropouts, youth unemployment, prostitution, and moral decay—the religious leaders have vowed to continue engaging local communities through mosques, madrasas, and public forums to raise awareness and promote Islamic values.
They are also calling on the Ministry of Interior, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and local law enforcement agencies to step up surveillance and enforcement, particularly around schools, market centres, and border points.
“We must act now. If we fail to intervene, we risk losing an entire generation to drugs and moral degradation,” warned Sheikh Abass.
The call by Wajir’s religious elders underscores a growing concern across northern Kenya, where weak border controls, limited economic opportunities, and emerging digital influences are colliding with deeply rooted religious and cultural values, creating a complex social landscape that demands urgent and inclusive solutions.
