By Joel Clinton
Residents in Riat, Airport, Bandani, Otonglo, and nearby areas of Kisumu West are alarmed by the rising use and sale of drugs among young people. They blame this trend for a spike in crime and insecurity within their communities.
Concerns intensified after police officers from Riat Police Station, along with members of the community policing committee, arrested a man in the Kona Mbaya area while on patrol. The report is that the suspect, identified as Kennedy Oduor, was found with bhang valued at about Sh36,000. This arrest has renewed calls for more police patrols and community engagement to address drug abuse, which residents see as a growing threat to young people and public safety.
Residents say some youths who use drugs often turn to theft, mugging, and other crimes to fund their habits. They describe the situation as especially troubling in areas where young people are unemployed and vulnerable to drug dealers.
“We are losing our young people to drugs, and the effects are now visible in our homes and on the streets. Some youths who start with bhang eventually move on to other drugs and become involved in theft and violence,” Joakim Komwono a resident of Riat said.
Kobi Ochuka another resident from the Airport area noted that insecurity has become a major issue, especially in the evening and at night. “We are afraid to walk around after dark because some young men gather in groups. You cannot tell if they are looking for trouble or just using drugs. We need the police and community leaders to take action before the situation worsens,” the resident said.
Police have continued collaborating with community members to identify suspected drug dealers and users, targeting areas considered prone to criminal activities with their patrols.
Collins Kipyegon a police officer attached to Kochung police post ,involved in community policing stated that fighting drug abuse requires teamwork between law enforcement, parents, and residents. “We are increasing patrols and acting on information from the public. The community should feel safe reporting suspected drug dealers because drugs are not only ruining young lives but also leading to other types of crime,” the officer said.
Residents want authorities to do more than just make arrests. They seek rehabilitation for young people already affected by substance abuse. They are also asking for job opportunities, sports programs, and skills training to keep youths engaged.
As police ramp up operations in Riat, Airport, Bandani, Otonglo, and surrounding areas, residents believe a lasting solution will need both law enforcement and community-based efforts to prevent a generation of young people from falling into drug abuse and crime.
