Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has criticised President William Ruto following his announcement of a national campaign against alcohol and drug abuse starting in 2026.

In a statement, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Wamae said the president appeared inconsistent and accused him of placing unnecessary pressure on Kenyans.

“Rice ametoka bottom up, akaingia Singapore sasa ni the war on alcohol. Bwana you are all over the place stressing Kenyans which forces them to indulge,” she wrote.

Ruto terms drug abuse emergency security

Her remarks came hours after Ruto used his New Year’s address from Eldoret State Lodge to describe alcohol and drug abuse as a national emergency. The president said substance abuse posed a serious threat to Kenya’s health, security, and economic future.

Citing official data, Ruto said one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65 uses at least one drug or substance of abuse. He added that the problem affects more than 4.7 million people and weighs heavily on men and young adults.

According to the president, one in every three men in that age group uses drugs or alcohol, while one in five young adults aged between 25 and 35 is affected.

Ruto said alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, with more than 3.2 million users nationwide. He expressed concern that many people begin using alcohol and drugs during adolescence, and in some cases as early as childhood.

To confront the crisis, the president announced plans to strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The unit’s staff will increase from 200 to 700 officers and receive enhanced surveillance, forensic, and financial investigation tools.

Ruto also said the government will prioritise asset tracing and seizure, with recovered funds redirected to rehabilitation and prevention programmes.

Ruto’s development narrative

Wamae’s criticism reflects wider public debate over the government’s messaging and priorities.

Earlier in the week, while addressing residents in Homa Bay, Ruto said Kenya’s journey mirrors the Canaan vision promoted by Raila Odinga during the 2022 election campaign. He described Singapore as the destination Kenya aims to reach through industrial growth, infrastructure investment, and political cooperation.

Ruto said his government has agreed with Raila and other political leaders that Kenya must shed its third-world status and pursue a clear development plan. He pointed to cooperation between ODM, UDA, and Kenya Kwanza as evidence of growing political consensus.