President William Ruto has announced sweeping plans to toughen Kenya’s laws against illicit alcohol, drug trafficking and gambling, warning that the government will no longer tolerate activities he says are destroying families and endangering the future of the country’s children.
Speaking during an engagement ceremony in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday, January 3, the President said individuals involved in the production and distribution of illicit alcohol should brace for harsh consequences under proposed legal reforms. He revealed that the government intends to introduce laws allowing authorities to seize assets used in the illegal liquor trade, including vehicles used to transport and distribute the brews across the country.
“Those selling illicit alcohol must take note that we are changing the law. We will seize their assets, including the cars they use to distribute liquor around the country,” Ruto said.
The President took an even firmer stance on hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine, describing drug trafficking as a deadly business that targets other people’s children while sparing the families of those involved. He lamented that current penalties are too lenient and have failed to deter offenders.
“Our children are being killed while those selling drugs and their children do not consume them,” he said. “Previously, the law only imposed a fine of Sh1 million. We are changing it.”
Ruto stated that the government plans to push for amendments in Parliament to introduce capital punishment for those convicted of drug peddling. “If you are caught selling drugs, we are changing our law. They must be hanged going forward,” he declared, adding that the drug menace must be stopped to protect the next generation.
He expressed concern over what he described as millions of Kenyans being affected by drugs, saying the country cannot continue on the same path in silence.
The President also turned his attention to gambling, calling it another growing crisis that has plunged many families into financial ruin and depression. He said unchecked gambling has seen millions of Kenyans lose household income, worsening social problems across the country.
“I am ready to deal with the consequences. We need a country of law and order, not thuggery,” Ruto said.
He announced that he has instructed the Attorney General and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to take firm action to enforce the law and support the proposed reforms, as part of broader efforts to restore order and protect Kenyan families.