This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Illicit Brew and Hard Drugs Thrive in Nairobi's Kasarani Slum ¶
Located in Nairobi's Kasarani constituency, the Soweto slum is a densely populated area where illicit brew and hard drugs are openly sold and consumed.
According to residents, over 60% of households in the slum engage in brewing Chang'aa and Busaa, traditional illicit brews also common in rural areas.
Many youths in the area are unemployed and engaged in crime, selling drugs or both, while law enforcement agencies have turned a blind eye to the vices.
On Tuesday, Capital News crew witnessed tens of youths injecting themselves with unknown substances, openly smoking bhang, and consuming Chang'aa like coffee.
Residents have expressed concern over the high rate of drug addiction and the impact it has on their children and families.
"I am tired of seeing young kids die due to Chang'aa and drugs," Jecinta Wambui said, at the start of the interview, inside her two-bedroom shanty.
Wambui's 37-year-old son has been admitted to hospital five times this year alone, with the latest admission being in June, and she has spent over Sh20,000 on his medication.
Residents have also expressed frustration over the lack of police presence in the area, with many claiming that police only come to collect bribes.
"We rarely have police patrolling Soweto. They only come to collect bribes," Wambui said.
Despite the challenges faced by residents, there are some who are working to address the issue of drug addiction in the area.
However, their efforts are being hindered by the lack of support from the authorities.
As one resident pointed out, "It is the hard drugs coming from Ruiru that are destroying the youth," and yet, the authorities seem to be turning a blind eye to the issue.
The Soweto slum is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of drug addiction and the impact it has on the community.
