By Monica Nashon
Government officials have called for greater public support in the fight against drug abuse after more than 700 kilograms of cannabis and 500 kilograms of illegal sugar were destroyed in Kisii.
The destruction exercise, conducted at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital under court orders, involved exhibits that had been stored since 2018.
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Chief Magistrate Ada Mildred Obura said the exercise was necessary to prevent the illegal goods from finding their way back into the community while also freeing up storage space in courts and other institutions.
She said the destruction sends a strong message against the use and trafficking of illegal drugs.
NEMA County Director Simon Tonui said the items were safely destroyed through high-temperature incineration, a method that minimizes harmful emissions and protects the environment.
Kisii Central DCI Officer George Etiyang’ said the destroyed illegal sugar was valued at approximately KSh700,000. He added that cases involving drugs and contraband sugar had declined this year.
Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui said the exercise marked the successful conclusion of investigations and court processes involving the seized exhibits.
He urged members of the public to work closely with law enforcement agencies in combating drug abuse and other illegal activities.
Dr. Oimeke Marita, Chief Executive Officer of Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, warned that drug abuse is contributing to a rise in mental health cases among young people.
He said many young patients admitted to the hospital’s mental health ward suffer from conditions linked to substance abuse, making treatment costly and placing a heavy burden on families and society.
