CS Duale calls for action against Shisha smoking among Nairobi youth

The Defense Cabinet Secretary Adan Bare Duale, has criticised hotels allowing shisha smoking within their premises, stating, "The government has started closing all shisha smoking joints, unfortunately, our youth are seen in those areas."

He expressed concern that these establishments are leading young people astray by providing luxurious spaces for shisha consumption in Nairobi.

Adan Bare speaking at a Nairobi wedding ceremony on Sunday said he was among the people who went to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 and asked him to ban shisha smoking in Kenya.

He emphasized that it was sad witnessing Somali youth being arrested late at night for smoking or being in shisha sessions, urging Somali religious leaders to dissuade young individuals from engaging in harmful substance use.

Adan Bare noted, "It's sad seeing Somali youth being arrested for smoking shisha in the wee hours of the night."

Bare highlighted the detrimental impact of such habits on the health of the youth, asserting that it brings disgrace to both the Islamic nation and the Somali community.

"Most of the great Ulamaas who are welcomed to Kenya are mostly Somalis, Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi is here, why do we want to tarnish our names?" questioned the defence secretary.

Expressing deep concern, Bare noted an alarming trend of Somali youth in South C joining criminal gangs after being exposed to illegal substances. He mourned the loss of three Somali boys last month, linking their deaths to involvement in unlawful activities subsequent to substance use.

The former Garissa township Member of Parliament emphasised, "Many Somali youths in South C are joining gangs after using unlawful substances."

Appealing for a positive representation of their Islamic upbringing, Adan Bare urged Somali youth to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold a righteous lifestyle. He highlighted the significance of renowned Somali religious scholars visiting Kenya, questioning the need to tarnish the community's reputation.

Asserting the government's commitment to combating shisha smoking, Bare stated, "Government of Kenya will continue fighting shisha smoking and will close down every place it is being smoked at."

He lamented the continued presence of young individuals in these establishments despite the government's efforts to shut them down.

The Defense Secretary's strong stance against shisha smoking echoes the government's determination to eliminate this harmful practice, emphasizing the urgency to protect the youth and preserve the dignity of Kenyans.