President Ruto Proposes Death Penalty for Drug Dealers

President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce a new law that will make drug trafficking and the sale of illicit alcohol punishable by death.

Speaking on Saturday, January 3, during an engagement ceremony in Uasin Gishu County, the President said the government is no longer willing to tolerate drug dealers who are destroying families and communities across the country.

Ruto said the proposed law will mainly target drug kingpins and sellers of illicit alcohol, arguing that current penalties are too weak to stop the trade.

According to the President, people caught selling hard drugs such as heroin can currently escape with a fine of KSh1 million, a punishment he says has failed to deter offenders.

“We are going to change the law. If you are found selling illicit alcohol or hard drugs, you will be hanged,” Ruto said.

He added that he is ready to face criticism over the tough proposal, saying order must be restored to protect Kenyan families.

“Many families are suffering because of drugs like cocaine. If I have said it, I have said it, and I am ready for the consequences,” he stated.

A night club in Nairobi — A nightclub in Nairobi

Assets to Be Seized

President Ruto also revealed that the new law will allow the government to confiscate property linked to drug trafficking, including vehicles and assets bought using money from the illegal trade.

He urged Members of Parliament to support the proposed legislation, noting that about five million Kenyans are affected by drug and substance abuse, calling it a national crisis.

New Anti-Narcotics Police Unit

The announcement comes shortly after Ruto revealed plans to form a special Anti-Narcotics Unit within the DCI.

During his New Year’s address at Eldoret State Lodge on December 31, the President said the new unit will operate like the elite Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).

Officers in the unit will undergo advanced paramilitary training and use modern tools such as surveillance, intelligence, forensic analysis, and financial investigations to dismantle drug networks.

Ruto clarified that the unit will not replace NACADA, but will work closely with it as a fully funded and permanent team.

The government says the tough measures are aimed at ending the growing drug menace and protecting future generations.