Expose drug dealers, AG Kariuki tells Lamu residents

Most residents of Lamu are a hindrance to the fight against drugs in the region, Attorney-General Paul Kihara Kariuki has said.

The AG said drugs are a major challenge in Lamu, with many young people already hooked to them, adding that concerted efforts are needed to end the menace.

Speaking in Lamu, Hindi and Mpeketoni towns when he joined a team led by the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji in a tour of the region on Saturday, Mr Kariuki said many youth in Lamu are hooked to drugs.

He expressed disappointment that young people in Lamu are leading in the consumption of hard drugs, which has resulted to many of them becoming zombies.

GIVE INFORMATION

He called on locals to cooperate with security agencies by giving information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those dealing in the illegal business.

“I want to clearly state that we have a big problem of drugs in Lamu. Drugs have destroyed the lives of many youth here, turning most of them into zombies. In the few places we have visited so far, we have been able to see our brothers and sisters who have completely been destroyed by drugs. They are nothing. Why do we allow such a business in Lamu [yet] it is destroying our generation? I am aware you know those involved in such an illegal business. Why don’t you report them? I appeal to you today, just come out and provide information on those involved in such an illegal trade so that we too can deal with it and help you eradicate this problem,” said Mr Kariuki.

ELIMINATE DRUGS

The AG said the national government will do everything to rid Lamu and other areas of drugs.

He told the police, chiefs and their assistants to be at the forefront in the war against drugs and called on wananchi to cooperate.

“You have the police and administration departments with you here. Please cooperate with them and if they are the ones collaborating with the peddlers, let us know so that we take them out of here and bring others who can work well to end the vice,” said Mr Kihara.

The AG’s sentiments come just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i toured the region and announced a fresh war on drug peddlers.

Mr Matiang’i called on Lamu people to stop covering up for drug lords instead of reporting them to the police.

He also cautioned the police and other government officers against cooperating with drug peddlers.