Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of undermining efforts to curb drug and substance abuse and allowing the crisis to spiral across the country.
In a strongly worded statement shared online, Gachagua claimed that the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs had been “70 per cent won” during his tenure, arguing that strict enforcement measures had significantly reduced access to harmful substances among young people.
“Our young men stopped taking illicit alcohol as it was not available,” he said. “You were angry that an entire generation had been saved.”
Gachagua alleged that his efforts were deliberately frustrated by senior government officials, including Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and an individual he referred to as “Mr Soprano,” whom he accused of working to dismantle the gains made in the crackdown.
He further claimed that two individuals he described as “known drug barons” had been appointed to the Cabinet, alleging that their inclusion had weakened the government’s resolve in tackling narcotics trafficking. “Kenya is now a known international drug transit and destination,” he said, without providing specific evidence.
According to Gachagua, his frustrations came to a head on July 14, 2024, when he publicly confronted the President at Ndogino AIPCA Church in Nyandarua County. He said repeated private appeals to halt what he termed as “sabotage” had been ignored.
“I pleaded with you severally not to sabotage my efforts and allow me save lives and the next generation. All this fell into deaf ears,” he said.
The former deputy president painted a grim picture of the current situation, alleging a resurgence of illicit brews and drug abuse across the country. “Today, because of your inhuman sabotage, killer drinks are back like never before,” he said. “Our young men are dying every day in thousands while others have become zombies.”
He added that families were being torn apart and that the country was witnessing widespread social damage linked to substance abuse.
The claims come amid escalating tensions between Gachagua and President Ruto following their political fallout, which has seen both leaders trade sharp accusations in recent months. The public rift has increasingly played out in rallies and online platforms, with each side seeking to shape the narrative ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The government has previously maintained that it remains committed to combating drug abuse and illicit alcohol, pointing to ongoing enforcement operations and policy interventions. However, Gachagua’s remarks are likely to intensify scrutiny over the effectiveness of those efforts and deepen the political divide at the top levels of leadership.
