Ruto Proposes Death Penalty For Drug Kingpins
President William Ruto has said that the administration is considering legislation to make drug and substance abuse-related offences a death offence punishable by hanging.
The plan aims to step up Kenya’s fight against narcotics and illicit booze.
Speaking at an engagement ceremony in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday, January 3, the Head of State defended his firm stance.
Ruto also stated that he was prepared to accept any penalties stemming from the drive for harsher rules.
He claimed that the proposed legislation will primarily target persons involved in the trade of illicit beverages and dangerous narcotics.
Ruto has declared alcohol and drug abuse a national development and security emergency, shifting government policy toward significantly harsher penalties.
— theHubTV (@theHubTVke) January 4, 2026
Ruto has announced plans to amend existing laws to make hard drug trafficking (e.g., heroin and cocaine) a capital offense. pic.twitter.com/uVfcGnWTnb
The president contended that present punishments have been ineffective in deterring traffickers, leaving families and communities vulnerable to further harm.
Ruto noted that under existing rules, people caught selling narcotics such as heroin face a Ksh1 million fine.
The President indicated that the new law would eliminate this clause and instead impose the death sentence on offenders.
“For all these people who are involved in the illicit alcohol trade, we are going to change the law,” Ruto said.
“In the past, we had a law with a clause that if you were caught selling substances, including hard drugs such as heroin, the only penalty was a fine of Ksh1 million. Now we are changing that so that you can be hanged.”
“You know that if I have said it, I have said it, and I am ready to deal with the consequences. We need to have order. So many families are suffering because of cocaine,” he continued.
The President also stated that the proposed law, which will be introduced in Parliament, will empower the state to seize assets related to the selling of illicit alcohol and drugs.
This includes autos and other property purchased with earnings from the unlawful trade.
ALSO READ:
- “NO MORE NIL TAX RETURNS!” – KRA Tells Kenyans, Introduces New Changes
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
- KDF Soldier Arrested Over Wife’s Murder in Nakuru
Ruto called on Members of Parliament to support the new legislation, arguing that the estimated five million Kenyans affected by drug abuse represent an unsustainable crisis.
The announcement comes just days after President Ruto revealed plans to establish a new police unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as part of renewed efforts to crack down on illicit substance consumption and the financial networks behind the trade.
During his New Year’s address at Eldoret State Lodge on Wednesday, December 31, the President said the government would set up a strengthened Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) within the DCI, with capabilities similar to the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).
The President added that the unit will be equipped with modern surveillance, intelligence, forensic, and financial investigation tools, enabling it to function as a permanent, multi-agency team working closely with NACADA.
Ruto Proposes Death Penalty For Drug Kingpins
