Matiang’i's sunday mission disappoints Kenyans on social media

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i on Sunday drew criticism from a majority of Kenyans on social media after he kicked off a crackdown on bhang trafficking in parts of Mt Kenya and Nairobi regions.

Matiang’i swore to ensure that the illegal substance is no longer sold in Kenya, saying that Nairobi and Kiambu have become notorious market hubs.

However, the move was not well received on social media, with most of the commentators terming his mission as a waste of time.

A majority of those who commented on the issue advised the Interior CS to concentrate on more pressing matters such as corruption and insecurity.

Legalise bhang

Others called for bhang to be legalised and regulated as has been the trend in advanced countries where the drug is increasingly used for medical research.

“Is bhangi the same as cannabis? Then this is misappropriated efforts on so called drugs. Why don’t people get educated? And stop copying imported laws that have no place here? Cannabis is used for very many essential functions and you are declaring war? Start with illicit alcohol or alcohol in general. Which is the real drug. Start with Marlboro, acid , cocaine etc,” Mary Gicharu said on Facebook.

“If you can't win it join it. Just legalize marijuana like most countries has done. It generates lot's of revenue instead of taxing Kenyans this much,” Godfrey Njogu quipped.

"Undermining God"

Bett Ryan accused the CS of undermining God’s creation, “bhang is natural and comes from plants. God was not stupid to make bhang grow on land and he gave mankind that wisdom to use and see the value of each plant bhang being one of them! So if u go against bhang, know u r against God's creation”.

The comments reflect a growing support for the campaign calling for an end to the ban on cannabis sativa.

Economist David Ndii, who admitted have used the drug for leisure, and Kibra MP Ken Okoth are some of the supporters calling for legalisation of bhang.

Here are more reactions to Matiang’i’s order: