West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka has demanded urgent government action to dismantle drug trafficking networks allegedly exploiting public transport, following the interception of cannabis aboard a passenger bus along the Kisumu–Kericho Highway.
Mogaka sought a detailed statement from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on the circumstances of the incident, the existence of organized networks, and measures to protect young people from exposure to narcotics.
The Ministry confirmed the seizure was intelligence-led and led to the arrest of a suspect transporting cannabis on a public service vehicle.
“Following intelligence information, police officers intercepted a bus reg no. KDN 389], Isuzu make belonging to Guardian Angel, that was travelling from Ugunja to Nairobi. They recovered five bales (6.6kgs) of dry plant material substance suspected to be cannabis sativa valued at approximately Sh 198,000, concealed by wrapping in yellow tapes from one of the passengers, Daniel Omondi.”
“The suspect was arrested and later processed and arraigned in Nyando Law court vide CR NO. 602/32/2026 – E162/2026. The recovered exhibits were documented and submitted to the Government Chemist Kisumu for forensic examination and analysis.”
The Ministry said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the drugs and whether the seizure is linked to a wider network.
“Investigations are ongoing focusing on establishing the source of the narcotic drugs, identifying those responsible and determining the full extent of the trafficking network, if any. The matter is still pending before Nyando law court.”
On concerns about organized networks in the Coast and Nyanza regions, the Government said security agencies are actively investigating.
“Security and law enforcement agencies are carrying out investigations to establish whether this was a one-off incident or if there exist any organized drug trafficking networks that exploit strategic transport corridors in parts of the Coast and Nyanza regions.”
The Ministry outlined measures to curb the use of public transport in narcotics trafficking, including enhanced surveillance and enforcement.
“The Government has strengthened surveillance and enforcement operations targeting public transport systems through a multi-agency approach.”
“Introduction of a 24hour surveillance multi agency roadblock along the Kisumu Kericho highway at Ahero town, Nyando sub-county.”
“Establishing, equipping, and enhancing the capacity of roadblocks and checkpoint teams to conduct regular compliance, inspection, and enforcement operations on public transport vehicles along major highways and transport routes.”
“Capacity building of transport operators and crew members to identify and report suspicious packages and activities. Majority of saccos have been encouraged to scrutinize goods that are picked along the ways and at designated bus stops.”
“Increased deployment of trained anti-narcotics officers at strategic transit points and transport terminals.”
“Progressive enhancement of canine (sniffer dog) units at selected ports of entry, transport hubs, and high-risk transit points to improve the detection of illicit drugs.”
The Ministry said preventive measures are also being scaled up to protect children and young people.
“The Government continues to implement a range of preventive measures aimed at protecting children and young persons from exposure to narcotic drugs.”
“Public awareness and education campaigns targeting schools, parents, transport operators and communities on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.”
“Enforcement operations to remove drug traffickers and peddlers operating near schools, transport terminals, and other areas frequented by children.”
It added that the strategy is anchored on a coordinated national approach.
“Honourable Chair, the Government has adopted a comprehensive and multi-sectoral strategy to address the alcohol and narcotic drug problem through prevention, enforcement, treatment, rehabilitation and research.”
“Constituted and operationalized a high-level national multi-agency team to coordinate and reinforce compliance with and enforcement of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and alcoholic drinks control laws and regulations.”
“Strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the Anti-Narcotics Unit by augmenting human resources, upgrading technical capabilities, and equipping officers with the necessary tools and expertise to address evolving narcotics related threats.”
“Enhancing awareness on drug and substance abuse among the youths through social media campaigns, roadshows, talk shows, public sensitization forums, school outreach programmes, community engagement activities, and mass media campaigns.”
Despite the response, Mogaka expressed dissatisfaction, saying his query covered three bus companies but only one was addressed.
“I would want to understand why the report is confined to only the Guardian Angel Company,” he said.
“I have not heard from the committee what happened with the three motor vehicles that were originally impounded,” he added.
He also alleged intimidation linked to the matter.
“For the record, I wish to state that one of the individuals associated with the Guardian Angel Transport Company confronted me in a funeral in my constituency with goons, telling me to leave him alone. Drug traffickers can kill,” he said.
Mogaka warned of the risks to students relying on public transport.
“Our children are using this transportation whenever going to and from school and colleges. It is extremely important that their safety is guaranteed,” he said.
The debate intensified as he criticized remarks by some lawmakers regarding cannabis.
“I didn’t know that a criminal act of a bus company and a person already arraigned in court could elicit such a debate,” he remarked.
“Is it in order, when this Parliament has enacted a law outlawing cannabis sativa, for us to have in our midst confessions by persons in this August House on how they enjoy this drug?” he asked.
He called for a more comprehensive review.
“I plead with you to order the committee to revisit this particular question and do a comprehensive report before we get anybody bringing a law or an amendment to delete the section that outlaws the substance,” he said.
“As a Christian, I distance myself from those celebrating a drug that is a killer, that is a disabler, that has impaired people’s thinking and that is a threat to future generations,” he stated.
Responding, the committee chair acknowledged the concerns and promised follow-up.
“I think Mogaka has raised a number of issues and, of course, the debate was interesting,” the chair said.
“On the issue of just having answered the question on one bus and not three, I will ask for indulgence to make a follow-up because we sought this information from the Ministry. We will bring it out,” he assured.
“The issue of forfeiture may not be determined at this stage because the matter is still under investigation and is also before the court,” he explained.
“On the issue of confrontation by the owner or people who operate Guardian Angel, I think it is very unfortunate. It is a matter that needs to be taken up very seriously,” he said.
“If the member is dissatisfied, we can go further and probably have a sitting so that we can obtain more information,” he added.
Mogaka’s push now increases pressure on authorities to demonstrate progress in dismantling drug trafficking networks using public transport corridors.
