Determined duo close to completing 700km anti-drug walk

By Newsflash Writer

Two determined men walking nearly 700 kilometres across several counties to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse say they are on track to complete their journey next Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Anthony Kahwai and Dennis Ngatia, both from Mahianyu village in Leshau Pondo ward, Ndaragwa constituency, Nyandarua County, have already covered more than 400 kilometres on foot.

They left Mairo Inya town on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Their campaign is aimed at drawing national attention to the growing drug abuse menace, particularly among young people.

Long walk for a national cause

Speaking to Newsflash on Friday while on Thika Road in Nairobi, the duo said their journey has so far taken them through Mairo Inya–Nyahururu, Gilgil, Naivasha, Nairobi and Machakos.

They plan to raise the awareness in nine counties, which include: Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri.

The duo at Kahawa Baracks, Thika Road, Nairobi. Photo/Newsflash

“We intend to complete our mission on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, mid-day at Mairo Inya, at the same spot where we started our journey,” said Ngatia during a phone interview.

From Nairobi, the two will proceed to Murang’a, then Nyeri, before finally heading back to Mairo Inya in Nyahururu, where they expect to be received by supporters and residents.

Faster than planned

Initially, Kahwai and Ngatia had planned to spend 144 hours — the equivalent of six days — walking within a seven-day schedule. However, they now believe they could complete the mission in less time than expected.

“We had intended to use 144 hours within seven days of our walk. However, we may actually spend less time as per our estimate,” Ngatia explained.

The two engage a police officer about their campaign. Photo/Newsflash

One of the most demanding stretches ahead is the 104-kilometre distance between Nyeri and Nyahururu, which they plan to cover in just two days. Despite the physical strain, the two say their resolve remains strong, driven by the urgency of their message.

Throughout the journey, they have been engaging residents in towns and trading centres, urging communities to take an active role in protecting young people from falling into drug and substance abuse.

Call for support and partnership

The walkers have appealed to residents of Mairo Inya and surrounding areas to turn up in large numbers on Tuesday at midday to welcome them back at the end of their mission.

The duo with one of their friends whom they met at Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi. Photo/Newsflash

They are also calling on well-wishers and institutions to support and partner with them in expanding the campaign’s reach. They do not have any financial support from anyone, and are relying on well-wishers. They said they have taken the move strictly out of the love for the youth and the grievous effects of drug abuse in the country.

“We ask all stakeholders to come on board and partner with us in this mission. We call on bodies such as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to include us in its drug/substance abuse sensitization campaigns countrywide,” said Kahwai.

The two have been relying heavily on the goodwill of Kenyans for food, water and places to rest each night.

“This is a noble mission which we have decided to take on wholeheartedly. We have been relying on the goodwill of Kenyans for our basic needs,” Kahwai added.

As they push through the final leg of their journey, Kahwai and Ngatia hope their footsteps will spark lasting conversations — and action — in the fight against drug abuse across the country.

For any support, please contact them through +254 791 946499 (Dennis Ngatia).