Police blamed for increased drug menace at the Kenyan Coast

Malindi: Malindi residents have accused security officers of working in cahoots with barons to defeat the war against drugs and substance abuse.

The accusations are being voiced following the murder of a gang member at the notorious Sea Breeze estate in Malindi town.

Speaking at a forum on drug and substance abuse, community leaders blamed security officers of laxity in the fight and demanded the transfer of area officers.

Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Ombongi observed the drug menace had reached alarming levels with increased availability of hard drugs particularly heroin and bhang.

The most affected areas include Shella ward, Watamu and Gede.

Mr Ombongi revealed that women had formed cartels to supply the drugs to school-going children who use their school bags to ferry the substances.

Malindi Ward Administrator Assad Shayumbe said President Uhuru Kenyatta’s set pace on the fight against alcohol should also be extended to drugs.

“As a county government, we must co-operate with the national government to deal with this menace.

“All of us are affected in one way or another, and we cannot afford to hide any more,” he said.

Malindi Level Five Hospital and Mathare Hospital are the only facilities in the country with medically assisted centers for drug users.

“It is sad that the security officers have become engaged in this vice,” he said.