Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of being dishonest in the fight against drug abuse in the country.
Speaking during the JKL evening interview alongside Denis Itumbi, Malala did not hold back as he questioned the President’s sincerity on the matter.
He said the government cannot continue to speak strongly against drug peddlers while protecting individuals accused of trafficking at the highest level of power.
According to Malala, this kind of hypocrisy is what is frustrating efforts to deal with the drug crisis in Kenya. “We must start practicing what we say,” he said. “You cannot be the President and claim to protect students from drug peddlers, yet go ahead and appoint two known drug barons to your Cabinet.
We are tired of these lectures.”His words have sparked strong reactions, especially as concerns grow about the connection between drug trafficking networks and high-level politics.
While he did not mention names, the weight of his words was heavy, hinting at what many have long suspected that organized crime is finding protection within the state.
For a former UDA Secretary-General to speak out this way shows just how deep the cracks have grown within the ruling side. Malala’s statement seemed to distance himself from the current administration, and it also gave voice to many Kenyans who have been growing increasingly uneasy with how the war on drugs is being handled.
During the interview, Denis Itumbi tried to shift focus to government achievements, but Malala remained firm. He said it is not enough to give speeches at rallies about saving the youth while promoting individuals whose past is tainted by serious allegations.
He reminded the audience that the youth are the biggest victims of drug abuse, and the state must stop playing politics with their lives. On social media, Kenyans joined in the conversation, with many supporting Malala’s boldness.
Some questioned why drug-related vetting processes are ignored when it comes to certain top officials. Others said that the President must be held responsible if he continues to defend questionable appointments.
Critics now say that Malala’s warning should be a wake-up call. They argue that if the country truly wants to fight drug trafficking, then integrity must begin at the top. The statement has opened up a wider debate about the standards used in naming Cabinet Secretaries and what message that sends to the rest of the country
Many Kenyans are demanding action, not more talk. They want to see honesty, transparency, and leadership that doesn’t just speak against drugs but also refuses to work with those linked to the problem.
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