This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
Kenya has been mourning the loss of several prominent leaders to cancer, including Bob Collymore, Ken Okoth, and Joyce Laboso. In a bid to find a solution to this problem, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has suggested that weed should be legalized to help curb diseases such as cancer.
During the memorial service of the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth, Sonko made the suggestion, citing the potential medicinal benefits of weed in easing the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment.
Among those who have responded to Sonko's plea is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who took to social media to share his thoughts on the matter. In a post that has sparked a heated debate, Owino wrote,
APART FROM WEED BEING USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES,IT ALSO HELPS IN KUNYANDUANA(sx).#IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW
The post has received widespread attention on social media, with many people siding with Owino's views.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is currently in Jamaica, a country known for its liberal stance on weed. Many Kenyans are hoping that he will bring back the good news that weed is now legal in Kenya. However, only time will tell if the bill will be passed or not.
Before his passing, Ken Okoth was a strong advocate for the legalization of marijuana, and it remains to be seen if his efforts will bear fruit.
