It took kicks, blows and a cocked AK-47 to raise a doped-up Abdallah Hassan Abdalla from a stupor and, incidentally, save his life. The scene was Mombasa's Mackinon Market. The lead actor in the story of his life was himself; the supporting cast was composed of an angry mob and regular policemen. What followed next was a beating that opened his eyes to the dangers of heroin use. He could finally break free from a 12-year addiction that revolved around three things: heroin, syringes and himself. He had tried to escape with some money he had snatched from a woman. [continues 465 words]
A cabinet minister has advised Kenyans against engaging in drug abuse and trafficking. Prof George Saitoti, the Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, warned on Saturday that the practice could jeopardise the country's efforts to attain both the UN's Millennium Development Goals and the Vision 2030. "Compounded by increasing HIV/Aids prevalence, poverty and insecurity, drug abuse could reverse any gains made in improving social, economic and political fronts," Prof Saitoti said in a speech read by assistant minister Orwa Ojode during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the National Youth Service College in Gilgil. [continues 271 words]
