Religious leaders from Kenya’s Coast region have thrown their weight behind President William Ruto’s hardline stance on drugs and substance abuse, terming it a bold and necessary step to protect the future of young people.
Speaking under the Pwani Patriotic Religious Leaders umbrella, the clerics welcomed the President’s proposal to amend the law to impose the toughest penalties on traffickers of hard drugs, including capital punishment and the seizure of assets linked to the illegal trade. They said the move reflects the gravity of the drug crisis, particularly in coastal counties that have for years borne the brunt of trafficking and addiction.
“We welcome and strongly support the firm and courageous stand taken by the president in the national fight against cocaine and other narcotics that are destroying our society.”
Led by Sheikh Abu Qatada, the religious leaders stressed that the war on drugs must go beyond law enforcement, calling for a holistic approach that brings together government agencies, communities, faith-based institutions and civil society. They emphasized the need for stronger prevention measures, sustained public awareness, effective enforcement and expanded rehabilitation services.
“We believe that the fight is not only a legal or security matter but also a moral, social and spiritual responsibility. We call upon all stakeholders to work together with urgency in prevention, awareness, rehabilitation and enforcement.”
The clerics specifically asked to be formally incorporated into national anti-drug efforts, noting that religious leaders are uniquely placed to reach children and young people, especially within learning institutions. They said early intervention is critical in steering students away from substance abuse before addiction takes root.
“We particularly emphasize the need to strengthen school-based programs, including structured initiatives where religious and community leaders regularly visit schools to guide, mentor and speak to learners on the dangers of drug abuse.”
While backing tougher laws, the leaders also appealed for greater investment in affordable and accessible rehabilitation centres, saying many families are currently unable to seek help for loved ones already struggling with addiction. They urged the government and its partners to prioritize youth-focused programmes both in and out of school, describing them as essential for prevention, early intervention and positive engagement.
“We call for rehabilitation services to be affordable and accessible to all, regardless of social and economic status. Recovery should not be a privilege but a right for every Kenyan seeking a second chance.”
The religious leaders further raised alarm over the widespread use of muguka at the Coast, describing it as a growing social crisis affecting children at increasingly younger ages and disrupting education. They called for the stimulant to be addressed with the same urgency as hard drugs.
“Not just hard drugs like cocaine, we also want muguka to be banned. Muguka is very hazardous to our children. Children as young as 10 are already being introduced to it, ruining their education and lives in general.”
Their concerns echo actions taken by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, who in mid-2024 banned the entry of muguka into the county, citing its threat to the region’s social and economic wellbeing.
“Muguka has no nutritional value. Over 50 per cent of patients in our rehabilitation centres are there because of its consumption. In fact, our people consume more than the producers. As we fight illicit brew, we must stop muguka from getting to our people,” Nassir said.
The religious leaders urged leaders across the political divide to unite in the fight against drugs and substance abuse, insisting the battle is not political but generational, and that decisive action now is critical to securing a healthier and more productive future for Kenya’s youth.
“When this matter is tabled in Parliament, we ask our parliamentarians to pass it. We call for collaboration among leaders to work together to ensure this is no longer a problem in our society.”
