Trans Nzoia residents have been challenged to take a front seat in the fight against drug and substance abuse more so among the youth.
Speaking at St. Mark’s High School in Cherangany Sub County, during Mashujaa Day Celebrations, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi said that efforts to mitigate drug and substance abuse would achieve desired results if an all-inclusive approach is employed with the public taking a center stage.
Commanding National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and security teams not to leave any stone unturned, Oyagi said time for the fight to turn on a new page has come as he ordered for the arrest of all those responsible for supply of illegal drugs.
The call was made following complaints from a section of the public who had raised an alarm over the escalating cases of substance and drug abuse among youth in the region, where school going children were not excluded.
” Eradication of drug and substance abuse and to be specific illicit drugs and brews is a mandate of NGAO. Let me take this opportunity to remind all NGAO in Trans Nzoia to ensure this is done. There is no shortcut as we are paid to ensure this is achieved,” he rallied.
Meanwhile, Oyagi advised maize farmers from the region known to be Kenya’s food basket not to dispose of their produce at throw away prices and instead, exercise patience as the government makes plans to buy the produce at better prices.
” This is that time of the year you find our farmers out of desperation disposing off their produce at throw away prices in the event making huge losses. Please I urge you all to be patient as the government finalizes plans to purchase the harvested maize at better prices,” he said warning farmers not to fall in the trap of brokers who are on the loose.
Hailing Trans Nzoia residents and leaders for preaching and keeping peace in a region he described as cosmopolitan, Oyagi challenged all to step up efforts in contributing to the development of the nation as per the aspirations of the founding fathers.
As he mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was laid to rest on Sunday, Oyagi said death has robbed the country an icon who always stood for change and aspired nothing, but the best for the nation.
His sentiments were echoed by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya who said Raila was more than a name; terming him a movement whose story will not fade.
” As we commemorate all the heroes and heroines who fought for this country, today I pick out Raila Odinga as my hero. I take the opportunity to remind that heroism is not about the battle field, rather it is all about dedicated service delivery. Each and every one of us should strive to emulate Raila,” he said.
Others present during the function were Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory executive committee members and heads of departments from both the national and county governments.
by Isaiah Nayika
