Ruto to deal with cross-border drug dealers in Isiolo, Marsabit

President William Ruto has vowed to erase drug-dealing in Isiolo and Marsabit counties, warning to deal with drug peddlers doing the business in the volatile border area with Ethiopia.  

Speaking on Friday, during his last day of the North Eastern region tour, Ruto expressed concern that the counties are experiencing increased drug trafficking.  

The Head of State claimed that the resistance he received from some groups of people among the crowd who booed him, were sent by drug dealers to disrupt his meeting. 

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"I am aware that drug dealers have sent the youth to come and cause a disturbance at this meeting. Be warned young people, you cannot threaten the government. A foreigner cannot come and turn Isiolo into a drug den," Ruto said. 

The youths defiantly chanted anti-Ruto slogans, prompting Governor Abdi Guyo to intervene, urging the crowd to show respect to the president.

"Today is the President’s day; let’s give him respect. Let’s listen to all leaders. Those who are used to organizing heckling, you will not return to heckling in Isiolo. Do we understand each other?” Guyo intervened.

In response, Ruto accused drug traffickers of funding the protests, arguing it was a retaliatory scheme against his administration's efforts to crackdown narcotics in the region.

“We have been having problems in Isiolo and Marsabit with people from other countries bringing drugs here and selling them to our children. Let me be clear – we will deport these drug dealers,” Ruto 

He added: “I hear these drug dealers have brought youth to heckle us here. Listen carefully, young people – you cannot intimidate the Kenyan government." 

Isiolo and Marsabit counties have reportedly been transit routes for trafficking hard drugs especially bhang from neigbouring Ethiopia. 

In November, last year, police officers in Garbatulla sub-county of Isiolo, nabbed 220 kilograms of bhang worth Sh6 million.  

Authorities reported that the drugs were on their way to the neighbouring county of Garissa, but failed to apprehend the suspects as they fled after abandoning the car they used. 

He called on relevant authorities to conduct a crackdown and bring to an end the illegal business in the region. 

He said the government was aware of the illicit trade and was ready to wipe the perpetrators out. 

"We are aware there are conduits being used to transport drugs from neighbouring countries into Isiolo and Marsabit. We will not allow this. We will deal with them harshly and eliminate all the drug dealers. Try selling drug in Isiolo and you will find out," the President said. 

Ruto who was accompanied by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Isiolo Governor Guyo, his Marsabit counterpart Mohamud Ali amng other leaders urged parents to be vigilant and protect their children from being influenced into drug and substance abuse. 

"Parents should be more attentive to ensure children are not recruited into gangs that leave them trapped in drug addiction," he stated.

The President also inspected various projects in the region including construction of roads, Isiolo Affordable Housing project as well as construction of county aggregation and industrial park. 

"WE have allocated sh1 billion for the Isiolo Abattoir. By the end of the year, the Abattoir will be ready to export beef across the world," he said.