By Wajir Today Reporter

Wajir town leaders and residents have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of seemingly empty shops across several neighbourhoods, warning that many could be fronts for illicit activities including drug distribution and prostitution.

The shops, concentrated in Waberi, Township and Barwaqo wards, have drawn scrutiny for remaining open despite carrying little or no stock, fuelling suspicions that they are being used as distribution points for illegal drugs and as brothels.

“We have seen people, especially from down-country, with several shops in town. Most of these shops are almost empty, sometimes displaying only a crate of soda or bottled water,” Wajir Municipality Manager, Omar Hussein Shano, told local reporters after a meeting with local community leaders

Mr Shano warned that the municipality would not tolerate illegal businesses undermining the wellbeing of the community, particularly its youth.

“We are calling on our brothers from other regions doing business in Wajir to comply with county laws and obtain proper licenses. We do not want people selling drugs that destroy the lives of our youth. If you are engaged in that business, you have to leave Wajir,” he cautioned.

Local leaders stressed that only legitimate businesses would be allowed to operate in the town, which has witnessed a rise in drug dens and prostitution over recent years.

They pledged to work closely with security agencies to clamp down on illicit activity, with intensified monitoring in Waberi, Barwaqo and Township wards.

Community elders also voiced their frustrations, urging county leaders, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, and religious figures to act decisively.

“As people of Wajir, we are witnessing the collapse of our town. Whole generations of youth are being destroyed by drugs,” said elder Mohamed Dakane. “Some bad elements within the non-local communities are contributing to the devastation through drug peddling and theft.”

Another elder, Ahmed Sheikh Ali, appealed to residents to play their part in curbing the menace. “Do not rent out your houses to people who sell drugs or to prostitutes. Our town is devastated by drugs, our town is devastated by prostitution,” he said.

The Municipality has pledged to intensify its regulatory enforcement while community leaders continue to press for united action, warning that Wajir’s social fabric and youth face severe risks if the trend is not reversed.