This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
Ken Okoth's death has sparked a renewed push for the legalization of marijuana in Kenya. Governor Mike Sonko, speaking at the late MP's memorial service, urged his colleagues to continue working towards this goal.
According to Sonko, Ken Okoth's motion to legalize marijuana was motivated by the fact that it has medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of cancer. He noted that cancer is a major enemy in Kenya, citing the recent deaths of Bob Collymore and Gavana Laboso.
During his speech, Sonko quoted Ken Okoth as saying that marijuana is a medicine for cancer, and that he wanted to see it legalized. Sonko also mentioned that President Uhuru Kenyatta is currently in Jamaica, and that once the bill is passed, they will ensure that a clean version of the cure for cancer is brought in from Jamaica.
Ken Okoth succumbed to cancer last week at the Nairobi Hospital, leaving behind a wish to be cremated. However, the court has stopped this from happening after his 'wife' sued Lee Funeral Home and Ken's family.
Find out more about the type of cancer that claimed Ken Okoth