By Elizabeth Angira
Medics in Kisii County have raised concern over the increasing abuse of illegal drugs among young people, warning that the trend is contributing significantly to mental health disorders and destroying the future of many youths
Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oimeke Mariita, said the facility continues to receive a growing number of young people suffering from mental health conditions linked to prolonged abuse of bhang.
Speaking at the hospital during the destruction of 700 kilograms of bhang and 500 kilograms of contraband sugar, Dr. Mariita said drug abuse has become a major public health challenge in the county.
“We receive many young people who have abused bhang and developed mental health complications. Some of the people seen roaming the streets with mental illness are victims of prolonged drug abuse,” he said.
Dr. Mariita noted that the hospital offers treatment and psychosocial support to affected patients before linking those who recover to rehabilitation centres and support groups to help them reintegrate into society.
“We link those who have recovered to support groups and rehabilitation centres so that they can rebuild their lives and avoid relapsing,” he added.
He regretted that many youths have lost employment opportunities due to drug addiction, while others fail to seek medical care because of stigma and ignorance.
“Some youths suffering from mental health disorders seek help from witch doctors instead of visiting hospitals, delaying proper treatment,” he said.
According to the CEO, treating patients with substance use disorders and mental health conditions is costly, but the hospital remains committed to helping them overcome addiction, reduce drug dependence, and successfully reintegrate into the community.
He appealed to government agencies, parents, religious leaders, schools, and other stakeholders to work together in combating drug abuse before more young lives are destroyed.
The remarks came as judiciary and security officials supervised the destruction of the seized drugs and contraband sugar at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital incinerator.
Kisii Law Courts Chief Magistrate Mildred Obura said destroying the exhibits was necessary to ensure they do not find their way back into society after court cases have been concluded.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that once the courts have ruled on such exhibits, they are destroyed. This also helps create storage space and protects the public from dangerous substances,” said Obura.
She revealed that the more than 700 kilograms of bhang (Cannabis sativa) destroyed had an estimated street value of over Sh18 million.
Kisii Central Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer George Otieno said the destroyed drugs and contraband sugar had been kept in police custody since 2018.
He noted that trafficking of illegal goods had significantly reduced over the years due to intensified security operations.
Otieno said the 500 kilograms of contraband sugar destroyed was valued at approximately Sh700,000, adding that security agencies had strengthened surveillance to prevent illegal goods from entering the sub-county.
Kisii County National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director Samuel Tonui said incinerating the seized goods at high temperatures was the safest and most environmentally friendly method of disposal.
The destruction exercise was witnessed by Chief Magistrate Mildred Obura, County Police Commander Ronald Kirui, NEMA Director Samuel Tonui, Kisii Central Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer George Otieno, and other county security officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the public from illegal drugs and contraband goods
