By Janet Nyamwamu
A stormy debate erupted in Parliament after West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka questioned the government’s handling of a major narcotics seizure along the Kisumu–Kericho Highway.
Mogaka raised concerns about the use of public transport vehicles in drug trafficking and the safety of school-going children who rely on buses for travel.
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The debate followed a statement sought by Mogaka on investigations into the recovery of narcotic drugs from a passenger bus and broader government efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across the country.
According to the government’s response, police officers acting on intelligence intercepted a Guardian Angel Bus Company vehicle, registration number KDN 389J, travelling from Oyugis to Nairobi.
During the operation, officers recovered five bales of a dry plant substance suspected to be cannabis sativa concealed with yellow wrapping tape.
Authorities said each bale weighed approximately 6.6 kilograms, with the seized drugs valued at about KSh198,000.
A suspect, Daniel Omondi, was arrested and arraigned before the Nyando Law Courts under criminal cases E162 of 2026 and 602-32-2026. The recovered exhibits were documented and forwarded to the Government Chemist in Kisumu for forensic analysis.
The government told Parliament that investigations remain ongoing to establish the source of the narcotics, identify possible accomplices and determine whether the seizure was linked to a larger trafficking network.
Security agencies are also investigating whether the incident was an isolated case or part of a wider criminal enterprise operating within the Nyanza and Coastal regions.
To curb the use of public transport vehicles in drug trafficking, the government said it has intensified enforcement measures, including 24-hour multi-agency roadblocks along key transport corridors such as the Kisumu–Kericho Highway, enhanced inspections of public service vehicles, increased surveillance operations and closer collaboration among the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), NACADA and other government agencies.
Authorities further disclosed that transport operators and crew members are being trained to identify and report suspicious packages and activities. Operators have also been encouraged to scrutinize goods loaded onto vehicles at designated stops and along transport routes.
In addition, anti-narcotics officers and canine units are being progressively deployed at strategic transit points, transport terminals and other high-risk locations to improve the detection of illicit drugs.
Measures to Protect Children
Responding to concerns about children and youth exposure to narcotics, the government outlined a series of interventions aimed at safeguarding young people.
The measures include public awareness campaigns targeting schools, parents, transport operators and communities; enforcement operations against drug peddlers operating near schools and transport hubs; strengthened child protection mechanisms; promotion of reporting channels for drug-related activities involving minors; and the integration of drug prevention education into school and community programmes.
The government also highlighted long-term strategies, including the operationalization of national coordination teams to enforce narcotics and alcohol control laws, strengthening the Anti-Narcotics Unit through additional staffing and equipment, enhancing intelligence gathering and cross-border cooperation, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services and increasing public awareness through social media campaigns, roadshows, school outreach programmes and community engagement initiatives.
Officials told Parliament that enhanced intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation had already resulted in the disruption of several trafficking networks and the prosecution of suspects linked to narcotics offences.
Mogaka Questions Missing Details
Despite welcoming parts of the government’s response, Mogaka faulted the report for focusing solely on Guardian Angel Bus Company, arguing that his original inquiry involved three bus companies allegedly linked to narcotics transportation.
“I would want to understand why the report is confined to only the Guardian Angel Company,” he told the House.
The MP demanded answers on the fate of two other vehicles reportedly impounded during the investigations and sought clarification on whether forfeiture proceedings had been initiated under Section 20(2) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, which provides for the forfeiture of vehicles used to transport narcotic drugs.
“I have not heard from the committee what happened with the three motor vehicles that were originally impounded,” he said.
Mogaka also made a startling allegation, claiming that an individual associated with the bus company confronted him at a funeral in his constituency.
“For the record, I wish to state that one of the individuals associated with the Guardian Angel Transport Company confronted me in a funeral in my constituency with goons, telling me to leave him alone. Drug traffickers can kill,” he said.
The legislator urged Parliament to ensure thorough scrutiny of the matter, noting that thousands of students depend on public transport every day.
“Our children are using this transportation whenever going to and from school and colleges. It is extremely important that their safety is guaranteed,” he said.
Mogaka further challenged authorities to investigate whether rising cases of indiscipline and unrest in schools could be linked to increased access to narcotic substances among young people.
Cannabis Remarks Spark Fresh Debate
The discussion took a sharper turn when Mogaka expressed concern over comments made by some lawmakers regarding cannabis use.
“I didn’t know that a criminal act of a bus company and a person already arraigned in court could elicit such a debate,” he remarked.
The MP questioned whether Parliament was sending mixed signals on narcotics despite having enacted laws outlawing cannabis sativa.
“Is it in order, when this Parliament has enacted a law outlawing cannabis sativa, for us to have in our midst confessions by persons in this August House on how they enjoy this drug?” he asked.
He urged the Speaker to direct the committee to revisit the matter and prepare a more comprehensive report before any attempts are made to amend anti-drug laws.
“I plead with you to order the committee to revisit this particular question and do a comprehensive report before we get anybody bringing a law or an amendment to delete the section that outlaws the substance,” he said.
Mogaka also reiterated his personal opposition to narcotics use.
“As a Christian, I distance myself from those celebrating a drug that is a killer, that is a disabler, that has impaired people’s thinking and that is a threat to future generations,” he stated.
Committee Promises Further Inquiry
Responding to the concerns, the committee chair acknowledged the intensity of the debate and agreed that additional information may be required from the Ministry.
“I think Hon. Mogaka has raised a number of issues and, of course, the debate was interesting,” the chair said.
The committee pledged to seek clarification on the two bus companies omitted from the government’s response.
“On the issue of just having answered the question on one bus and not three, I will ask for indulgence to make a follow-up because we sought this information from the Ministry. We will bring it out,” he assured lawmakers.
On the question of vehicle forfeiture under Section 20(2), the committee said it could not make a definitive determination because investigations were still underway and the matter remained before the courts.
“The issue of forfeiture may not be determined at this stage because the matter is still under investigation and is also before the court,” the chair explained.
The committee also described Mogaka’s allegations of intimidation as serious and deserving urgent attention.
“On the issue of confrontation by the owner or people who operate Guardian Angel, I think it is very unfortunate. It is a matter that needs to be taken up very seriously,” he said.
The chair disclosed that the matter would be raised with the Ministry and the Inspector General of Police during follow-up investigations.
He further acknowledged Mogaka’s concerns that he had not been sufficiently involved in the inquiry process and indicated that additional consultations could be arranged.
“If the member is dissatisfied, we can go further and probably have a sitting so that we can obtain more information,” he said.
