By Melton Konchella
An anti-drug abuse campaigner who has been cycling from Moyale to Busia is challenging security officers countrywide to help the nation from being taken over by drug cartels.
Fredrick Ochieng, a resident of Marsabit county who embarked on the gruelling journey at the beginning of February this year laments that unless those tasked with the responsibility of manning our borders put a stop to the infiltration of drugs and other outlawed liquor and other substances, most of the country’s youth will continue succumbing to the temptations.
He was speaking at Siaya township secondary school during a stopover while en route to Busia.
“It is unfortunate that some law enforcement officials who are supposed to ensure that the society is drug free are the ones involved in the illegal trade, helping it to thrive through corruption,” he said, adding, “I am appealing to all officers paid by the government to be firm and save the country from drugs.”
Ochieng said the future of the country relies on the youth and unless every Kenyan joined the war against drug and substance abuse, the country will not be there.
“If we continue keeping quiet, we will lose the upcoming generation to drugs” he said and cautioned the youth against making lack of employment an excuse to find solace in drugs.
Ochieng said there is need for strict adherence to the laws governing the location and operation time for clubs.
The anti-drugs crusader said he chose to cycle from Moyale to Busia because the two border towns are the major routes through which Cannabis Sativa (bhang) and other illicit liquor and drugs are smuggled into the country.
“In Moyale, which borders Ethiopia, a lot of bhang find its way into the country through the porous border, the same applies to Busia border,” said Ochieng.
Siaya Township Secondary School’s senior master and head of guidance counselling, Noah Onyango praised Ochieng’s initiative, noting that drug abuse remains a hidden but serious problem among students.
Onyango said many students use drugs but fear opening up for counselling.
The teacher called on parents to take a leading role in talking to their children on the dangers of using drugs and other outlawed substances.
So far, the anti-drug abuse crusader has addressed over 100 schools and 15 churches across the counties that he has traversed.