NACADA cracks down on illegal rehab in Meru, warns rogue operators

Meru County has been the scene of a decisive crackdown on illegal rehabilitation facilities, following the closure of Better Me Rehabilitation Centre after alarming reports of abuse and neglect. A multi-agency team comprising NACADA, the Public Health Department, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the National Police Service conducted an early morning raid that uncovered minors subjected to inhumane treatment, severe overcrowding, and a lack of basic necessities. Patients were reportedly sleeping on cold floors with worn-out blankets, with no qualified medical personnel or counselors in sight, exposing them to serious health and psychological risks.
During the operation, all patients were rescued and temporarily placed under protective custody at Meru Police Station, awaiting reunification with their families. The facility’s manager, Thomas Edwin, and a staff member were arrested on the spot, while the owner, Dr. Kelvin Ouko, is being pursued by authorities. NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa condemned the violations, warning that rogue rehabilitation operators exploiting vulnerable individuals will face the full force of the law. The agency also announced plans to roll out a Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework to strengthen treatment and aftercare services at the grassroots level.
The crackdown has drawn widespread attention across Kenya, highlighting the need for stricter oversight of rehabilitation facilities. Experts and community leaders have lauded NACADA’s decisive action, emphasizing that safe, professional, and licensed services are essential for addressing substance abuse. With the Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework, authorities hope to provide a proper continuum of care for people struggling with addiction, ensuring dignity, safety, and accountability in the county’s rehabilitation sector.