How Wajackoyah is trying to reintroduce his marijuana campaign
Most Kenyans still remember how Prof George Wajackoyah became a household during last year’s General Election. His flagship campaign agenda was calls for legalization of marijuana in the country.
This unique proposition, coupled with Prof Wajackoyah’s down to earth mien on the campaign trail, made him easily recognizable and quite likeable to the youth.
Prof Wajackoyah, a legal practitioner by profession, ran for president on a Roots Party ticket, alongside his running mate Justina Wamae, garnering 61,969 votes to finish third in the race.
Prof Wajackoyah and Ms Wamae however parted ways acrimoniously in September 2022, with the latter equating her exit to an ‘expired contract.’
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Ms Wamae explained that her engagement with Prof Wajackoyah officially ended when Kenya Kwanza Alliance flagbearer Dr William Ruto was announced the winner of the presidential race, and his victory upheld by the Supreme Court.
“My role as Roots Party of Kenya presidential running mate lapsed with the declaration of President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the 16th of August 2022 and subsequent upholding of the election by the Supreme Court of Kenya, on September 5, 2022. In this regard, I tender my resignation as a member of the Roots Party of Kenya,” she said in a letter dated September 21, 2022.
Now, it appears, Prof Wajackoyah has stepped back into the limelight with his tried and tested marijuana campaign.
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During the burial of the late media icon Ms Catherine Kasavuli in Vihiga County over the weekend, the politician revived his pet subject, reiterating his commitment to legalize marijuana in the event he ever wins the presidency in future.
“This girl (Catherine Kasavuli) could not have died of cancer. Marijuana is the treatment. Under my government, I will make sure marijuana is compulsory,” Prof Wajackoyah said amid laughter among the mourners.
While acknowledging that under the Kenyan law consumption and commercial use of marijuana is illegal, Prof Wajackoyah cited countries across the world which have legalized its use, adding that currently India is researching on its cure for HIV/Aids.
Ms Kasavuli succumbed to cervical cancer while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
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