Clerics raise red flag over drug abuse
Muslim clerics in Kajiado have raised the red flag over the number of youth engaging in drug abuse.
Speaking during a public lecture at the Jamia Mosque in Kajiado, organised by the Egyptian Embassy in Kenya, clerics from the Ministry of Awfaq in Egypt, called for more vigilance, especially from parents calling on them to play an active role in the growth of their children.
Delegation leader Dr Abdel Shaffy said the number of youths now engaging in drug abuse is growing with even 10-year-olds involved.
“This is a dangerous issue we are dealing with for the young ones; for their health and also to the society in general. If we do not deal with this menace early, we may be dealing with a generation that is lost,” Shaffy said.
The lecture involved over 300 young people ranging between 10 - 17 years who have become a key target for those involved in drugs.
Jamia Mosque, Kajiado Deputy Imam Ali Mzee Ali now asking religious institutions to step in and have more activities that involve the youth to keep them away from drug abuse.
“Mosques and churches have a duty to speak on this pandemic and dedicate time and resources to take care of our youth,” Ali said.
The Awfaq ministry has embarked on a programme that will see many parts of the country covered in terms of providing education to youth on matters drug abuse as they also seek ways of partnering with Mosques to provide extra activities that will keep youth aligned.
The scholars facilitated by the Egyptian embassy have held sessions in Lamu, Malindi and Mombasa in the campaign. Several Kenyan Muslim scholars have joined in the drive to discourage youth from engaging in terrorism.
