The National Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) has sensitized the youth against drugs and alcohol abuse during and after the General Elections, saying it is a catalyst to violence.
Over 500 youth leaders from 15 Sub-counties in Kiambu County, yesterday, attended an event organised by NACADA at ACK St Paul’s Church grounds-Kiambu town in a bid to promote peace and social cohesion ahead of the August General Election.
Speaking during the event NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Victor Okioma, said the campaign is meant to convince the youth that it is important to have peaceful elections and encourage them to avoid factors that aggravate conflicts like drugs and alcohol abuse.
“Kiambu is among 10 hot spot areas in the country identified by NCIC that are vulnerable to election violence due to their past experiences, thus the need for such election violence prevention initiative,” said Okioma.
The CEO added that the programme dubbed ‘Sauti Yetu’ also aim to encourage the youth to give their opinion on the factors that contribute to election violence and what should be done to prevent it, since they are mostly the ones used by politicians to cause violence.
“Among many other things the youth have pointed out poverty, unemployment, tribalism and incitement by politicians as some of the causes that make the youth be part in violence activities during elections,” he said.
Okioma further cited that they have visited Nakuru, Nyamira, Kisumu, Kericho and Uasin Gishu, next week NACADA will be taking last phase of the peace campaign to the coastal region.
Kiambu County Commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha, lauded NACADA for the initiative, saying there has been rise in the use of drugs and illicit brews in the County in the last months.
“Only last week our security officers were able to seize a pick up full of bhang here in Kirigiti, Chang’aa dens have also been on the rise hence there is need to have these conversations with our youths,” said Nkanatha.
The County Commissioner further warned the youth against being used by politician to course conflict and disruptions during elections, saying robust security measures have been put in place to make sure elections are peaceful.
“Take care of your neighbour because you will need your neighbour after elections since you may not see these leaders again after the poll,” said Nkanatha.
