Former National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) chairman John Mututho yesterday asked President to assent to the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Amendment Bill 2020.

Mututho observed that the bill, which was passed by Parliament more than a month ago, would help solve the ever-rising cases of drug abuse among the youth and punish drug lords.

Speaking in Nakuru at the weekend, Mututho praised the Bill’s proposal that assets belonging to drug barons be seized and the proceeds of their illegal businesses directed to rehabilitation of addicts.

“It is evident that our young people are falling into drug traps and we need to ensure they are rescued before the situation worsens. I want to congratulate legislators on passing the bill and now it is up to our President,” said Mututho.

The former Naivasha MP said there had been a rise in consumption among the youth in urban centres.

Bhang debate

Mututho said the bill sponsored by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali introduces hefty fines for drug peddlers.

He said there was need to allocate more funds to rehabilitation centres, noting that nearly 60 per cent of those affected cannot afford the costs of medication at the facilities.

 “Naltrexone is one among many drugs used to treat such conditions and it goes for Sh60,000 a dose and NHIF only pays the same amount to addicts who come to seek medical care. There is a need to have more funding,” he said.

Mututho criticised people who are seeking the legalisation of Cannabis Sativa (bhang).

“Religious leaders should come out and speak against this vice. You cannot claim to be a leader yet allow your people to perish,” he said.