Maseno University exposed

Fred Matiang’i speaking during the opening of an induction workshop for newly appointed public university council members at Simba Lodge in Naivasha highlighted that the open use of drugs in public universities is now a threat to national security.

The CS singled out Maseno University as one of the institutions plagued by the drug business menace.

Investigations by Hashtag reveal that the drug menace at Maseno University precincts is real with students abusing banned substances openly, even in their hostels, without fear; a trend that has seen a sharp increase in indiscipline cases coupled with deadly attacks and fights among its students.

Worryingly, bhang and a brew called “Simba Waragi”, are reportedly smuggled into the country from neighbouring Uganda through the Busia border where unscrupulous business people conceal large quantities of the drugs in sacks of maize, fruit and vegetable consignments ready for distribution.

One of the main depot points is Luanda market, which coincidentally boasts the largest number of mad people in the country, two kilometres away from Maseno University. From our investigation, most of the bhang is sold by peddlers who act ‘mad’ to avoid raising suspicion.

“You can buy drugs in the same manner you buy sugar from a shop. There is no fear as the police are also involved in the business. The trade is secretive and well familiarised with the police who provide immunity of arrest,” says a source who refused to be named.

The source explains that business is booming with profits of Sh5, 000 expected for a bhang load worth Sh2, 000 sold. Students buy bhang for as low as Sh20 and Sh50 depending on the quality and flavour. “Simba Waragi”, on the other hand, has taken the area by storm because it is cheap, packed in polythene sachets, selling for between Sh25 and Sh30 depending on customer loyalty.

So popular is this drink that it has killed the once dominant Chang’aa business in the area.

The brew believed to be manufactured by Premier Distilleries in Uganda is sold to students at specific eating points and by its peddlers in forest areas around the University and Maseno School and at the famous “Backstreet” in Maseno Township. At ‘Backstreet’ where all ills hatch, our team noted a well-known police officer in uniform sharing the drinks with students at noon.

As expected, business thrives most when students are in session especially during events such as Mr/Miss Maseno where profits are multiplied. When Hashtag undercover reporters visited two of Maseno hostel rooms this past Saturday evening, they discovered students run the illegal business 24/7 and are identified by unique names such as Daktari.

Students have well demarcated smoking zones behind the hostels with some preferring to smoke in their rooms. “Medicine students especially prefer buying a flavoured type of bhang which conceals their abuse allowing them to comfortably smoke at their rooms. Even female students are our good customers but fear buying directly from us preferring to use their male counterparts as conduits instead.” one student peddler confided.