The Devil’s Breath: The silent drug putting Nairobi residents at risk
By Katemarthason Okudo, April 30, 2026It often begins most ordinarily. A quick conversation with a stranger, a shared drink, or a moment of distraction in a busy street. Then something shifts. Hours later, the memory is gone, the phone has disappeared, and money has been withdrawn without a struggle. This unsettling experience has been linked to a substance commonly known as Devil’s Breath.
Scientifically referred to as Scopolamine, Devil’s Breath, the drug is not illegal by itself. In fact, it has legitimate medical uses, particularly in treating motion sickness and nausea.
It works by calming certain signals in the brain. But outside the hospital, that same effect can be twisted into something far more dangerous. Extracted from plants such as Datura, Devil’s Breath can interfere with memory and decision-making, leaving a person vulnerable in ways that are difficult to detect since it stays in the system for 12 hours.
“In hospitals, it’s safe and controlled. But in the wrong hands, it becomes a tool for manipulation,” said a medical expert from the National Library of Medicine.
What has raised concern in Nairobi is how the drug is being used.
In several accounts, victims describe being unknowingly exposed, sometimes through a drink, other times through brief contact that seemed harmless at the time. Within minutes, confusion sets in. What makes it particularly alarming is that victims often remain conscious and able to move, but their ability to question or resist is deeply affected.
If someone has been exposed to the drug, the most important thing is to act quickly, even if they feel confused or unsure of what’s happening.
The first step is to get to a safe place immediately. That could mean stepping into a nearby shop, approaching a security guard, or calling someone you trust. The drug affects judgment, so being around people who can notice something is wrong can make a big difference. If possible, avoid staying alone or continuing to engage with the person you suspect may have exposed you.
Medical attention should come next. Even if the symptoms feel mild, it’s important to go to a hospital as soon as possible. Doctors can monitor vital signs, manage the effects, and document what may have happened. This is especially important because scopolamine can interfere with memory, making it harder to explain the situation later.
It also helps to alert someone you trust right away. A quick phone call or message can allow a friend or family member to step in, especially if you start feeling more disoriented. In some cases, victims have managed to avoid further harm simply because someone noticed their behaviour had suddenly changed.
Another crucial step is securing your finances. If you suspect you may have shared sensitive information or been taken to an ATM, contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts or reverse transactions where possible.
Finally, report the incident to the police as soon as you are able. Even if details are unclear, reporting helps build awareness and may assist in tracking patterns of similar cases. Because memory gaps are common with this drug, even small details, like location or time, can be useful.
According to medical experts, there is no simple at-home antidote once the drug is in your system, so trying to shake it off or ignore the symptoms can be risky.
The effects can progress quickly. The safest response is to seek help immediately rather than trying to manage it alone, and also to be hydrated in order to stay alert.
Recovery often depends on how quickly help is sought. While the confusion and memory loss usually wear off with time, the hours immediately after exposure are the most critical. Staying aware of sudden changes and taking them seriously can make all the difference.