Justina Wamae Criticises Ruto’s ‘War on Alcohol’ Amid National Crackdown Plan

Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has criticised President William Ruto following his announcement of a national campaign against alcohol and drug abuse, calling it inconsistent and stressful for Kenyans.

In a statement on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Wamae accused the president of shifting focus, saying his approach is putting unnecessary pressure on ordinary citizens.

“Rice ametoka bottom up, akaingia Singapore sasa ni the war on alcohol. Bwana, you are all over the place stressing Kenyans which forces them to indulge,” she wrote on X.

Her remarks came just hours after Ruto, in his New Year’s address from Eldoret State Lodge, described alcohol and drug abuse as a national emergency, warning that the crisis threatens Kenya’s health, security, and economy.

The president cited official data showing that one in every six Kenyans aged between 15 and 65, or over 4.7 million people, currently uses at least one substance of abuse. He noted that men and young adults are particularly affected, with one in three men and one in five young adults aged 25 to 35 using drugs or alcohol. Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance, with more than 3.2 million users nationwide. Ruto expressed particular concern that many begin using drugs or alcohol during adolescence, and in some cases as early as seven years old, exposing children to long-term harm before they even reach adulthood.

To confront this crisis, Ruto outlined a comprehensive government strategy. Central to the plan is the strengthening of the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), increasing personnel from 200 to 700 officers and equipping them with modern surveillance, intelligence, forensic, and financial investigation tools. The unit will collaborate closely with NACADA, the National Intelligence Service, border agencies, county governments, and international partners.

The president also announced that asset tracing, seizure, and forfeiture will become key in tackling the illicit alcohol and drug trade, with all proceeds redirected to rehabilitation, prevention, and treatment programmes. He said he would consult the Chief Justice on the possible creation of specialised courts to fast-track drug-related cases, while also strengthening border security and vowing to prosecute public officials found colluding with traffickers.

“This struggle is deeply personal to me, as your President and as a parent,” Ruto said. “If we fail to act, we fail our children; if we rise to this duty, we secure not only their future, but the moral strength and destiny of our nation.”