Mandera Muslim clerics have advised area youths to shun drugs for a better future.
The clerics led by Sheikh Mohamed said the drug abuse cases were on the rise in the region a trend they noted adversely affected school going children.
Mr. Mohamed who spoke on Sunday at Jamia Mosque grounds as residents marked the Idd Al Adha celebrations advised parents to groom their children in line with religious teachings.
Miraa and hashish were the leading drugs abused by both youth and adults in the region.
According to local security agents, many children had dropped out of school due to drug addiction and some of them were engaging in petty crimes.
Mandera East Deputy County Commissioner David Cheboton on the other hand said the government was in control and will protect children from being lured into drugs.
By Dickson Githaiga
