President William Ruto has proposed introducing the death penalty for drug traffickers and sellers of illicit alcohol, saying harsh punishment is necessary to save Kenyan families and communities from the growing drug menace.
Ruto Pushes Tough New Law on Drugs and Illicit Alcohol
President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce a new law that would make drug trafficking and the sale of illicit alcohol punishable by death.
Speaking on Saturday, January 3, during an engagement ceremony in Uasin Gishu County, the President said the government can no longer tolerate drug dealers whom he blamed for destroying families and destabilising communities across the country.
According to Ruto, existing penalties are too lenient and have failed to deter offenders, especially major drug dealers.
“We Will Change the Law” Ruto Warns Dealers
The President revealed that individuals caught selling hard drugs such as heroin can currently walk free after paying fines as low as KSh 1 million, a punishment he described as ineffective.
“We are going to change the law. If you are found selling illicit alcohol or hard drugs, you will be hanged,” Ruto said.
He added that he is prepared to face criticism over the proposal, insisting that restoring order and protecting Kenyan families must come first.
“Many families are suffering because of drugs like cocaine. I am ready for the consequences,” he stated.
Assets of Drug Dealers to Be Seized
Beyond harsher punishment, the proposed law will also allow the government to confiscate property linked to drug trafficking.
Ruto said vehicles, land, houses, and other assets acquired through drug money will be seized by the state as part of efforts to dismantle drug networks completely.
He urged Members of Parliament to support the legislation, noting that about five million Kenyans are affected by drug and substance abuse a situation he described as a national crisis.
New Anti-Narcotics Police Unit Announced
The proposal comes shortly after the President announced plans to establish a special Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Speaking during his New Year’s address at Eldoret State Lodge on December 31, Ruto said the unit will operate in a manner similar to the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).
Officers will undergo advanced paramilitary training and use modern tools such as:
- Surveillance and intelligence gathering
- Forensic investigations
- Financial tracking to expose drug money networks
Ruto clarified that the new unit will not replace NACADA, but will work alongside it as a fully funded and permanent force.
