Religious leaders, security agencies, county administration and boda boda riders during the meeting in Garissa county /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Religious leaders, security agencies, county administration and boda-boda riders in Garissa have teamed up to tackle drugs and substance abuse. This follows a sensitisation meeting organised by Search For Common Good NGO.
Miriam Ayot, an officer from the organisation, attributed the rising cases of burglary, assault, and gender-based violence to drug abuse. A report released by Nacada last month said of 10 people, seven are likely to be abusing drugs.
The report mentioned bhang and heroin as the most abused. These drugs, according to Nacada, are entering the country from Ethiopia.
Others are Miraa and muguka. The consumers are also abusing prescribed drugs such as Diazepam, Alprazolam, Rohypnol, Midazolam, Benylin with codeine, and Amitriptyline.
Ayoti said the organisation will work with Nacada and the county administration to reach out to the affected people. She said the organisation will also engage people on social media on policy formulation and adjustments.
“One of the issues that emerged is the increase in drug use among the youth in Garissa. From these engagements and when dealing with such people there are processes that should be in place, and one should acquire certain clarification and clearance,” Ayoti said.
Reverend John Mwaura of the Full Gospel Church said they will help spread the word in churches and mosques on the dangers of drug and substance abuse in families.
“Joining hands with Nacada, multi-agency security should be implemented as drug peddlers do not make it to court after their arrest,” he said.
Elvis Kemboi from the Boda-boda Sacco said they are conducting meetings to come up with solutions to help curb the menace.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Nacada,
has in the past three days been in Garissa on a Drug and
Substance Abuse Sensitisation campaign.
