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A new video circulating online has reignited accusations of drug trafficking against Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, prompting renewed public scrutiny and calls for investigation into the long-standing claims.
A controversial video circulating widely online has brought renewed attention to long-standing allegations of drug trafficking against Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho. The video, titled "Kenyan Minister for Mining Mr. Joho Caught in Another Drugs Scandal," purports to present fresh evidence linking Joho and an individual identified as Da Mata Dos Santos to illicit narcotics operations.
The claims were reportedly made by Dr. Amkeni, a Kenyan living in the United Kingdom. The video specifically suggests that Joho's current ministerial position is being used to facilitate or mask drug trafficking through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). It further implicates Da Mata Dos Santos in a broader international network, with Dr. Amkeni accusing him of involvement. As of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, neither Joho nor the Ministry of Mining had issued a formal statement in response to the video's claims.
This is not the first time CS Joho has faced such accusations. His name previously appeared in the "Saitoti dossier" in 2010, a document tabled by the late Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti, which allegedly linked several high-profile Kenyans to drug cartels. Joho has consistently denied these allegations, stating that he was never formally charged or convicted and that no evidence was ever produced against him.
During his vetting for the Mining docket in 2024, Joho reiterated that "no iota of evidence" had ever been presented to substantiate the drug trafficking claims. He has previously dismissed the accusations as politically motivated smears aimed at derailing his political career and has taken legal action against accusers.
In Kenya, drug offenses are governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994, which outlines penalties for possession, trafficking, cultivation, and manufacturing of illegal substances. Penalties for drug trafficking can range from substantial fines to life imprisonment, depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved. The Act was amended in 2022 to enhance effective prosecution and investigations, including provisions for intercepting communication as evidence.
Despite the existing legal framework, Kenya faces significant challenges in combating drug trafficking. The country is a major transit point for illicit drugs, including heroin and cocaine, with traffickers exploiting corruption within government institutions and inadequate security controls, particularly at the Port of Mombasa and JKIA. A 2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report highlighted that drug barons use proceeds to influence political campaigns and corrupt government officials, law enforcement, and the media.
The resurfacing of these allegations could have significant legal and political ramifications. Public trust in government institutions, already battling perceptions of corruption, could further erode. Given Kenya's strategic role in the global fight against narcotics, renewed scrutiny could also attract international law enforcement interest. Opposition lawmakers are likely to call for Joho's resignation or suspension pending a thorough investigation.
Political analysts caution against premature judgment, noting Kenya's history of unverified accusations being weaponized in political battles. They urge investigative agencies to independently verify any claims before taking action.
The full contents and verifiable evidence presented in the new viral video remain under review. The extent to which Joho's current ministerial position, assumed in July 2024, is allegedly being used to facilitate drug operations through JKIA, as claimed in the video, requires thorough investigation. The identity and credibility of "Dr. Amkeni," the Kenyan Diaspora living in the UK who made the claims, are also key to assessing the allegations.
The allegations surfaced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with the circulation of the viral video. The lack of an official statement from CS Joho or the Ministry of Mining leaves many questions unanswered. The High Court had previously directed Joho to respond to a petition challenging his appointment, which included claims of economic crimes, by October 17, 2024. This new development is likely to intensify calls for swift and conclusive investigations by relevant authorities.
The public will be closely watching for official responses from CS Joho and the Kenyan government regarding these fresh allegations. The actions of investigative agencies, particularly in verifying the claims presented in the viral video and addressing the broader issue of drug trafficking at key entry points like JKIA, will be critical. Any legal proceedings initiated in response to these allegations will also be a significant area of focus.
