Why this MP wants bhang legalised in Kenya
Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth stirred controversy Thursday night on national television when he proposed that Kenyan farmers should start planting bhang for export.
The MP was speaking on Citizen TV on the recent attempts to revive Mumias Sugar Company as well as similar failed attempts on Webuye PanPaper Mills.
Mr Okoth said Kenyan farmers should instead start planting medical marijuana which has been legalised in parts of Europe, US and South America.
PRODUCTION OF BHANG
The presenter, however, reminded the MP that dealing in marijuana is an offence in Kenya that attracts up to seven years in jail.
But Mr Okoth said the laws are made by parliamentarians who can repeal it and allow production of bhang.
Mumias and PanPaper, all considered backbones of Western Kenya economy, have collapsed after accruing huge debts. T
he government sunk Sh500 million in PanPaper which remains shut. Mumias requires at least Sh10 billion yet only Sh1 billion has been allocated.