Embu Woman Rep. opposes MP Ken Okoth petition to have marijuana legalised

Embu County Woman Representative Jane Wanjuki has opposed a petition seeking to legalise the growth and use of marijuana in Kenya.

This is after Kibra legislator Ken Okoth on Friday wrote to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi seeking regulation of the growing and use of marijuana in Kenya.

Speaking in Embu when she distributed bursary cheques, Wanjiku said decriminalising the drug will hurt the youth, further adding that she will shoot down the proposal if tabled in Parliament.

“When that bill is presented, first of all as a parent I will oppose it. The people of Embu, whom I represent, have also said that they do not want to even hear about that bill being tabled in Parliament because it will not help our youth,” said the MP

She questioned why Mr. Okoth would seek for the legalisation of a drug she terms as addictive and one that affects the functionality of the human brain.

“If someone is even dreaming that they want bhang to be smoked freely is not a true Kenyan… he does not care about Kenyans. Maybe they’re selling it and are looking for a market,” said Wanjuki.

The Kibra MP is seeking regulation for the growth and safe use of marijuana as well as progressive taxation measures for the industry, in order to boost economic independence and job creation.

Other than having the consumption of bhang legalised, Mr Okoth’s Bill also seeks for the registration of growers, producers, manufacturers and users.