CS Duale urges parents, leaders to act on rising drug abuse

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for enhanced measures to curb the rising incidences of drug abuse and immorality, warning that they are eroding the social and moral fabric of society.

The CS emphasized that parents, religious leaders, community elders, and government agencies must intensify their efforts to combat drug abuse and immorality, which he identified as major contributors to moral decay and social vices among young men and women.

“Drugs and immorality are destroying our societies. There is an urgent need for concerted action by all stakeholders to address this growing challenge, which is becoming increasingly prevalent, including within Muslim communities,” Duale said.

He was speaking on Sunday, December 22, during the opening of the seventh edition of the Isiolo Da’awa Conference held at Ayo Village in Isiolo County. The CS called for coordinated efforts among parents, community leaders, security agencies, and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), noting that such collaboration is crucial in addressing the escalating cases of substance abuse.

Participants at the conference

Duale urged parents to take a more proactive role in guiding their children and shielding them from drugs and harmful influences. “Parents must be actively involved in nurturing their children and working with other stakeholders to confront drug and substance abuse,” he said.

He also singled out certain cultural gatherings, stating that they have become breeding grounds for social vices. He cautioned parents against allowing their children to participate in events such as Somali nights, Borana nights, and Gabra nights, which he said went against Islamic ideals. “These gatherings are haram (not permissible), and we must say no to them,” he added.

According to the CS, such events have increasingly been associated with the consumption of miraa and alcohol, as well as sexual immorality.

While underscoring the importance of faith in promoting harmony and progress, Duale called on religious and political leaders in Isiolo County to rise above their differences and work together to foster peace, development, and moral leadership in the region.

Sheikh Noordin Kishki from Tanzania adressing participants

The CS further urged leaders to live up to their responsibility of serving the people, advising them to diligently discharge their mandates while upholding the highest standards of integrity “Leadership is an amanah (trust) and everyone who has been given responsibility will be answerable on the day of judgement,” he said.

Held under the theme “Unity, Peace and Development through Faith and Cooperation,” the three-day conference has brought together local and international Islamic scholars who are delivering lectures on a wide range of topics.

Among the scholars attending the event are Sheikh Noordin Kishki from Tanzania, Sheikh Abu Hamza from Mombasa, Jamia Mosque Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, and renowned Ethiopian Qur’an reciter Sheikh Afif Mohammed Taj, known for his slow rhythmic murattal recitations.

The event is organized by the Waso Ulamaa League, a regional forum for Islamic scholars chaired by Sheikh Abdulaziz Yussuf. The organization has played a key role in promoting Islamic education, moral values, and social cohesion across Isiolo, Marsabit, and Moyale counties.

Also present at the event were Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, former Isiolo Deputy Governor Mohammed Guleid, Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Michael Kioni, and other distinguished leaders.