Ruto declares full-scale war on drugs after death by hanging proposal
By Kiprono Keileb, January 7, 2026President William Ruto has announced a sweeping new push against alcohol and drug abuse, indicating a tougher national response as public concern grows over the impact of drugs on young people, families, and security.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the president said the government is moving with urgency to strengthen enforcement, expand treatment, and tighten coordination across state agencies, following commitments he made in his New Year’s Address proposing death by hanging for drug dealers.
The renewed focus comes amid heightened debate on how far the country should go to curb drug trafficking and abuse, with the government now framing the fight as both a public health issue and a national security threat. Ruto said the response will involve law enforcement, health services, county governments, and border agencies working together, rather than isolated actions by single institutions.
“Chaired a multi-agency meeting to accelerate our response to alcohol and drug abuse in line with commitments outlined in my New Year Address,” the president stated
The president said the meeting brought together key agencies to align their work and remove gaps that have previously slowed action. He noted that the government is moving to tighten systems that govern how agencies share information, plan operations, and remain accountable for results.
“The relevant legal framework will be finalised to strengthen coordination and accountability across government as additional officers are being deployed to the Anti-Narcotics Unit, with the requisite training and logistical support,” he stated
Beyond enforcement, Ruto placed strong emphasis on treatment and recovery, acknowledging that addiction has left many families struggling without access to proper care. He said the government plans to bring rehabilitation services closer to communities, especially in areas that have long lacked such facilities.
“We will establish rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties, working closely with county governments and NACADA, alongside strengthened rehabilitation services in national referral hospitals. The Social Health Authority will enhance the cover for treatment and recovery,” he stated
The president also pointed to Kenya’s borders as a major concern, saying drugs and illegal alcohol often enter the country through poorly monitored routes. He said targeted action at key entry points is meant to disrupt criminal networks that profit from the trade.
“To disrupt drug trafficking and organised crime, multi-agency border teams will be deployed at five key entry points,” he wrote
Ruto said the government’s approach is designed to be comprehensive, combining prevention, enforcement, and care, rather than relying on punishment alone. He framed the campaign as a long-term effort aimed at protecting communities and restoring hope to those affected by addiction.
“Our focus remains clear – we will apply a whole-of-government approach integrating prevention, enforcement, treatment and recovery to safeguard our people and national security,” he wrote.
Death by hanging for drug dealers
President William Ruto had issued a hard warning to drug dealers, illegal alcohol traders, and gambling operators, saying his government is preparing tough laws to protect families and save young people from addiction.
The president said the planned changes will not only target illegal alcohol but also go after those dealing in hard drugs, especially sellers who prey on young people. He said the country has lost too many children and warned traffickers to prepare themselves for serious consequences once the new laws are in place.
Hawa watu woote ambao wanauza pombe haramu, tunabadilisha sheria. Assets ya hao watu kama magari wanatumia kubeba pombe, ukishikwa ukibeba pombe haramu, hio gari inakuwa asset ya serikali. Watu wa kuuza madawa ya kulevya kama heroine, cocaine na hata hao wenyewe hawatumii lakini wanawauzia watoto ya watu wengine, tunabadilisa sheria, mtu kama huyo inakuwa capital punishment, anaenda kunyongwa. Mtu anauza heroine na cocaine wajipange.” Ruto said.