President Uhuru Kenyatta declares Mombasa a narcotics hub, vows to deal with drug barons

President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with his supporters along Digo road in Mombasa as he  addresses members of the Public after visiting Huduma Centre in Mombasa. The President wants Mombasa residents to take identity cards and registrar as voters in large number. 31st January 2017. [Photo: Omondi Onyango/Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has described Mombasa as a narcotics hub and vowed to deal with all drug barons.

The President spoke in Mombasa amid reports that sons of the Akasha family in Mombasa and two foreigners from India and Pakistan who have been linked to drug trade had been extradited to the US to face charges in New York.

"Their days are over. We are not dealing with peddlers we will deal with the big fish. We will deal with the drug barons decisively," the Head of State said during his tour of Mombasa on Tuesday.

In August 2014, Uhuru witnessed the destruction of MV Al Noor, a ship that was seized with 377kg of heroin worth Sh1.3 billion in what was seen as a clear sign of Jubilee's determination to deal with narcotics.

In June 2015, State officials led by Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery destroyed a luxury yacht that was also seized ferrying heroine worth Sh22 million.

The destruction of the two vessels is however subject of litigation in Mombasa and Nairobi, with both the accused lawyers challenging the destruction's legality.

In 2014, Uhuru directed that any ship found with illicit drugs be destroyed to serve as a warning to traffickers.

"This has been a problem in Mombasa for so many years. We have decided to deal with it by targeting the main traders who have destroyed families," Uhuru said in yet another assurance to locals.

Two years ago, the Head of State declared state amnesty for youths ready to go for rehabilitation and Coast security officials have confirmed that the mercy was still in place.

The President said that before the end of his first term he will continue to visit Mombasa and Coast to monitor the progress.

The President is in the Coast region to create awareness for voter registration. He toured Kwale before inspecting the Mombasa's Huduma centre.

"The reason why we want you to register is so that you will be able to determine the country's destination. You can only shape the future of this nation if you register and vote," he said.