Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe now wants Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga to consider legalising bhang if elected in August.
In an interview on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, the seasoned politician indicated that the national debate on marijuana is timely considering Kenya’s neighbours have softened their stance on the growth of the plant.
He, however, said the substance should be used for medicinal purposes only.
Murathe was reacting to the national wave created by presidential candidate George Wajackoyah who wants the legal status of the narcotic drug reviewed, especially, to exploit its medical benefits.
The Roots party presidential candidate insists bhang is the solution to revamping Kenya’s ailing economy and settling the country’s ballooning public debt.
“Most of the countries that are honest have allowed it. Uganda has allowed it, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and even Zambia,” Murathe said.
“We are even asking our candidate (Raila Odinga) to consider in the next dispensation for medicinal purposes because the numbers Wajackoyah is giving are making sense.”
Despite Wajackoyah’s increasing popularity over the promise to legalise the drug, the Jubilee honcho maintained that the candidate is not a threat to Raila’s bid for the country’s top job.
Wajackoyah is touted as a third horse in the race slated for August 9, 2022. Pundits say he is likely to force a run-off in the forthcoming polls.
Wajackoyah not a threat to Raila
Murathe insists the August presidential election is a two-horse race between Raila and William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
According to the former Gatanga MP, the person who should be worried is the Deputy President, because Wajackoyah appeals to the young generation, a group aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition leader.
“He is not definitely hurting our corner. If Wajackoyah was to change any dynamics, it’s the deputy president’s corner that should be very worried and concerned because they are appealing to that generation, people who are not interrogating these things seriously,” he added.
Some researchers say medical marijuana can ease some cancer symptoms and treat chemotherapy side effects.
