Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has challenged President William Ruto to begin the fight against drug trafficking from within his own administration, following the President’s proposal to introduce the death sentence for narcotics traffickers.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Kiambu County, Gachagua accused the Head of State of projecting a tough public stance on drugs while allegedly shielding individuals within government implicated in the trade.
He said any serious anti-narcotics campaign must start by addressing what he termed internal contradictions in the administration.
Gachagua was responding to remarks made by President Ruto on Saturday, in which the President called for harsher penalties, including capital punishment, for those involved in trafficking drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
The proposal reignited national debate on crime, punishment, and the effectiveness of Kenya’s drug control policies.
In his address, Gachagua directly challenged the President to take decisive action against senior officials he claimed are widely known for involvement in the drug trade.
“Nimeona jana ukisema mambo ya wale wanauza cocaine na heroin, ati utadeal nao, kwanza futa wale mawaziri uko nao wawili wanajulikana kwa kuuza madawa,” Gachagua said, daring the President to dismiss alleged “drug barons” within the Cabinet to demonstrate sincerity.
He further claimed that efforts to combat narcotics had previously been undermined from within government, alleging that a programme he initiated while in office was derailed.
“I had that programme running ukaiharibu, sasa kwanza futa hao majamaa uko nayo kwa Cabinet ndio tujue uko serious,” he added.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions between him and President Ruto following their fallout, with both sides increasingly trading accusations in public forums.
While the government has not responded directly to Gachagua’s claims, the President’s proposal on drug traffickers is expected to face legal and human rights scrutiny.