NACADA shuts down Isiolo rehab over abuse allegations

 The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down another rehab centre in Isiolo County.

This is after a multi-agency team uncovered shocking abuse and gross violations of patient rights.

The Wednesday swoop, conducted in collaboration with the Public Health Department, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the National Police Service (NPS), came barely a day after a similar facility was closed in Meru for the same offences.

According to officials, the inspection was triggered by a string of complaints from family members and the public.

Inside the Isiolo facility, the team found disturbing scenes: patients locked in overcrowded rooms, forced to sleep on the floor with worn-out blankets, and denied access to food and basic necessities.

A minor was among those subjected to alleged inhumane treatment, including torture.

Authorities also discovered that some patients had been allegedly detained unlawfully for over a year.

The center had neither qualified medical personnel nor professional counselors.

Instead, it was staffed by two untrained interns and a security guard.

Hygiene conditions were described as deplorable, exposing patients to a high risk of infections.

The facility was shut down immediately, and guardians were called in to collect their loved ones.

Most patients had been reunited with their families by evening, while eight more were expected to be released by Thursday noon.

NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa condemned the violations, warning rogue operators that the agency was escalating its nationwide crackdown.

“These findings are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. It is a betrayal of trust when facilities meant to heal and restore are instead sites of abuse and exploitation,” Omerikwa said.

“NACADA will not hesitate to shut down such operations and ensure those responsible face prosecution.”

He stressed that the crackdown would be relentless, targeting all unlicensed and non-compliant facilities across the country.

“We are working with stakeholders to strengthen oversight and improve rehabilitation services,” he said.

“Our newly introduced Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework will ensure persons with substance use disorders receive safe, professional care close to their communities, while rogue operators are rooted out once and for all.”