Former Controversial NACADA CEO Is Dead
Victor Okioma, the former chief executive officer of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, has died.
On Friday evening, a source confirmed that Okioma died while receiving treatment in India.
Okioma retired from Nacada in May 2023, having served a five-year term.
Prof John Muteti served as acting CEO from May 15, 2023, until November 1, 2023, when the current CEO, Dr Anthony Omerikwa, took over.
Okioma released a damning report in February 2023, claiming that primary school students were the most active traffickers of prescription drugs.
Family of former NACADA CEO Victor Okioma confirms his death during a surgical procedure at a hospital in India. pic.twitter.com/vc0B6ao6vF
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) August 16, 2024
He stated that, despite the restrictions in place, prescription drug abuse was one of the most serious issues facing Kenyan schools.
Okioma expressed shock and alarm that primary school students had easier access to drugs than their high school counterparts.
“No one would suspect that they are drugs because they are meant for medication but they are actually substances of abuse,” he said.
“The risk is even bigger to primary school children because they have fewer restrictions as compared to high school students especially because of free movement in and out of the schools,’’ Okioma added.
Okioma is a seasoned public administrator with extensive experience implementing government policies on security, drug control, and rehabilitation.
During his time at Nacada, he oversaw the implementation of key programmes aligned with Kenya’s drug control strategy.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s degree in International Studies, among other professional qualifications.
Prior to joining Nacada, Okioma served as National Administration Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, where he coordinated national government operations and programs across the country.
Former Controversial NACADA CEO Is Dead
