Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended President William Ruto’s recent remarks suggesting the death penalty for hard drug traffickers, saying the comments were meant to underline the seriousness of Kenya’s fight against drugs — not to revive executions.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, Murkomen clarified that the President was expressing the extreme frustration felt by the government over the rising cases of drug and alcohol abuse, especially among young people.
According to Murkomen, the death penalty has already been declared unconstitutional in Kenya, meaning the President’s statement was symbolic rather than literal.
“The President was expressing just how far the country is willing to go to protect its people, particularly the youth,” Murkomen explained, adding that the remarks were driven by the human toll caused by substances such as heroin, cocaine, and illicit alcohol.
Frustration Behind the Strong Message
Murkomen said Ruto’s remarks, made earlier this month during a public event in Moiben, reflected deep concern over how drugs, illegal alcohol, and unregulated gambling are destroying families and communities.
He noted that the government can no longer afford to treat the issue casually, as addiction continues to claim lives and derail the future of many young Kenyans.
“The President was speaking from a place of frustration. We are losing our neighbours, friends, and children to drugs,” Murkomen said.
Focus on Tougher Laws, Not Executions
Rather than executions, Murkomen revealed that the government is pursuing stricter legal measures, including expanding the list of drugs that attract life sentences and pushing for tougher penalties against traffickers.
He warned that new, manufactured drugs — which were not previously covered under existing laws — are now circulating widely and pose a serious threat to young people.
“When we discussed this with the President, he agreed that the focus should be on strengthening laws and ensuring harsher punishments for traffickers,” Murkomen said.
Intensified Enforcement in 2026
Murkomen outlined the government’s plans for 2026, which include boosting the Anti-Narcotics Unit, conducting coordinated multi-agency crackdowns, and increasing the number of rehabilitation centres across the country.
He also echoed the President’s warning to drug dealers, urging traffickers to brace themselves as Parliament prepares to enact stricter legislation.
The CS stressed that drug addiction threatens Kenya’s most productive generation and could derail the country’s long-term development goals if left unchecked.
“This fight is about securing the future of our nation,” Murkomen said, adding that defeating drug abuse is critical to Kenya’s progress and stability.
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