MOMBASA, Kenya – Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has endorsed President William Ruto’s proposal to introduce the death penalty for drug traffickers, saying the narcotics trade continues to pose a serious threat to society, particularly in Kenya’s Coast region.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Nassir said decisive action was needed to curb the destruction caused by drug abuse and trafficking, which seen as a longstanding challenge in coastal counties.
“I support President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. The narcotics trade continues to be a grave threat to society, especially here at the Coast,” Nassir said.
The governor also turned his attention to Muguka, a stimulant widely consumed in parts of the country, warning that it is increasingly harming young people.
He urged lawmakers to amend existing laws to remove Muguka from the list of recognised cash crops and reclassify it as a harmful drug.
“We must also wake up to the threat that other substances, such as Muguka, pose to our youth,” Nassir said. “I urge our legislators to consider legislative amendments to formally eliminate Muguka from the schedule of cash crops and classify it as a harmful drug.”
Nassir stressed that tackling both narcotics and emerging substances requires coordinated national action to protect families and safeguard future generations.
“We need decisive national action to protect our families and future generations,” he added.
The Mombasa governor’s remarks come a day after President Ruto announced plans to overhaul Kenya’s narcotics laws to impose tougher penalties on drug traffickers.
Speaking during an engagement ceremony on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Ruto said current penalties were too lenient and had failed to deter those involved in the sale of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
“People who are selling heroin and cocaine are destroying our children. Those who sell these drugs do not allow their own children to use them; they sell them to other people’s children,” Ruto said.
“The past law stated that such people should be fined Ksh1 million. We are now changing the law to make it a capital offence. Those found guilty would face the ultimate penalty,” the President added.
