Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir on Saturday, March 2 told off Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his approach in tackling drug abuse in the country, telling the second in command to stop issuing threats.
Nassir questioned the rationale behind giving drug barons advance notice and called on security agencies to take swift action.
“We are tired of decades of notices and warnings. This issue of drug abuse at the Coast has become a political tool that people use to stir emotions,” said Governor Nassir.
It is time that those charged with the responsibility of security did their part and arrest so called drug barons,”
” Stop paying lip service, act,” he further challenged security agencies.
Speaking during the Mombasa No Child Left Behind bursary award ceremony at the Lohana Hall, Governor Nassir condemned the DP’s regular notices on combating drugs within the county.
Governor Nassir Criticizes the DP
“Let the security agencies arrest and parade drug barons for all to see rather than issue notice after notice.
As a County Government, we have done our part to address rehabilitation, it’s time for those responsible for dealing with supply to do theirs!” Mombasa leader emphasized.
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Additionally, Nassir called upon President William Ruto’s administration to assume responsibility for leading the fight against drugs.
He further noted that they have the necessary intelligence and resources to combat the menace instead of shifting blame onto the County government.
“You have guns, you have jails. Your job is to fire tear gas and harm doctors. After harming doctors, go and arrest drug barons.”
Don’t come here to say that we have given notice. We are tired of decayed notices. We want action as the people of Mombasa,” Nassir added.
The visibly angry Governor was responding to Gachagua’s remarks when he was in Mombasa.
Gachagua on Drug Abuse Prevention in Mombasa
The DP had earlier issued a stern warning to Mombasa drug barons, declaring a new government crackdown on the supply of hard drugs in the Coastal region.
He also criticized the silence of some Mombasa leaders, challenging them to take a stand against the drug menace.
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“Why are the leaders quiet? Are they scared of drug barons? Or could it be that some of the barons bankrolled them to their seats…Our children are dying,” Gachagua said.
“Why are some of the leaders not here? Except for Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali and Captain Ruweida Obbo why are the leaders quiet as our young nation is being killed,”
The Deputy President emphasized the need for cohesive action from local leaders, urging them to address drug issues with the same determination and dedication they have shown in dealing with land matters.
The DP also stated that leaders in the coastal region have portrayed laxity in addressing drugs and substance abuse-related issues, noting that other leaders especially those in the Rift Valley region have been vigilant in combating the menace.
“Unless the leaders are telling us there is no problem. It is very worrisome, and we are concerned as a government,” he said.
He spoke in Mombasa when leading multi-agency stakeholders in discussing a common strategy on ending consumption of alcohol and drug abuse in the region.
“The narcotics situation in the Coast Region is unacceptable. Within two weeks, we want to see drug barons prosecuted. We want these people in court,” Gachagua warned.
