We'll start investigating students overstaying in campus, warns Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during the launch of a NACADA report on Thursday, February 13. [David Gichuru,Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for an investigation into university students who have remained in school for years, suggesting that some may be involved in illicit activities.

Speaking Thursday during the launch of a report on drug and substance abuse among university students, Murkomen claimed that certain students at the University of Nairobi had amassed wealth and influence while staying in school indefinitely.

"We will start investigating students who have been in the university forever. At the University of Nairobi, there have been notorious students who never finish school and they are very rich and extremely influential and they are in the leadership," said Murkomen.

The Interior CS also urged the Inspector General of Police to enhance security operations near universities and called for increased intelligence gathering to curb drug abuse on campuses.

"Why don't we have intelligence officers working within universities to gather proper intelligence and intervene in drug-related issues, especially concerning cannabis, heroin, and other substances?" he posed.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over drug abuse among university students.

A NACADA report on Thursday found that friends are the primary source of drugs in universities, accounting for 66.4 per cent off cases.

Canteens, bars, and nearby premises follow at 59.3 per cent, while fellow students within institutions rank third at 56 per cent. Online purchases via websites and social media account for 39.4 per cent.