A section of Kenyans online have initiated a new campaign pushing for the legalization of marijuana dubbed #LegalizeIt.
The conversation on decriminalization of Marijuana was reignited after the recent demise of Kibra MP Ken Okoth to Colorectal Cancer.
Okoth was behind the Marijuana Control Bill of 2018 which sought to decriminalize use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
The lawmaker noted that with proper regulation, Marijuana could create jobs and opportunities for the youth and allow its well-documented use in treating a wide range of illnesses.
He further noted that the move was important to ensure Kenya protected it's natural resources, particularly with the meteoric growth of legal marijuana across the world over the past decade.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko voiced his support for legalization at Ken Okoth's memorial service on Friday, asking young leaders to continue with the drive in honor of Okoth.
Here are some of the posts from Kenyans who made #LegalizeIt the top trend in the country on Friday.
Many families have been selling bhang for years.
It has enabled them to educate their children to university.
It has sustained them economically all these years.
I think legalisation of bhang would create wealth for millions of Kenyans
Smoker "bangi ni mbaya"#LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/J4gKGHD8uC
— Kakamega_pundit?? (@Kakamega_pundit) August 2, 2019
The only referendum that will be voted for successfully by 100% of youths is that that will include legalisation of Marijuana as it's second major agendum #LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/smvGaRAD4M
— OGW RANGE (@derrick_range) August 2, 2019
I'm only advocating for legalization of marijuana because all the people I personally know using it have the purest of hearts. Watu wa Bhangi wako Na roho Safi,next to us walevi? #LegalizeIt
— Albert odera (@A0dera) August 2, 2019
Rest in power Ken Okoth. You ran a great race and you were a servant leader. You have left us too early. May Kenya at the very least find courage to #legalizemarijuana for medicinal purposes in your memory. #RIPKenOkoth #LegalizeIt pic.twitter.com/QJsS2vVplZ
— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) July 26, 2019
The best way to Honor Hon. Ken Okoth and Joyce Laboso is to:-
-Declare Cancer a National Disaster
-Build a Cancer Research and Facility Centre in Every County
-Legalize Medical Marijuana(#LegalizeIt)
-Inspect the Food Kenyans Consume
-Spread Cancer awareness#RIPLaboso
— BRAVIN™ (@ItsBravin) July 29, 2019