Church leaders from Trans Nzoia county have asked Kenyans to reject Roots Party’s presidential candidate George Wajackoyah's campaign to legalise bhang.
Pefa presiding bishop Harrison Gichuki said Wajackoyah's vision is contrary to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Christian values.
Gichuki was speaking in Kitale on Thursday, saying legalising bhang farming amounts to extremism and should be condemned.
"The call by Wajackoyah to allow bhang cultivation is a move that will completely destroy the moral values of the society," he said.
Kenya, he said is a Christian nation and shouldn’t be allowed to become a ‘smoking nation.’
He said many youths who use the banned substance have fallen into depression with hundreds committing suicide and criminal activities.
He said Wajackoyah’s call amounts to radicalisation of the youths.
Gichuki faulted the electoral agency, NCIC, Directorate of Criminal Investigations for keeping silent on the matter, which he said bordered on national security.
Reverend Corpanicas Mutoka of Kitale Christian Centre said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should not have cleared Wajackoyah to run.
"Chebukati should have scrutinised Wajackoyah and what he stood for before allowing him to vie for the highest office in the land. According to me, IEBC failed us here," he said.
“Anyone desiring to vie for the presidency should be well vetted. Legalising bhang will erode moral values and destroy the youths, his bid should be rejected," he said.
Mutoka said if Wajackoyah is allowed to advance his radical thinking, it will wipe away the present generation.
He blamed bhang for broken families and the increased extramarital affairs.
According to Wajackoyah the sale of the substance will help grow the country’s economy and settle international and domestic debts.
"Can someone who claims not to have used bhang say the substance is the nation’s unexploited gold?" Mutoka asked.
Bishop David Kalabai of Emimu Church International said men have abandoned their families and abdicated their parental roles due to drug abuse.
Kalabai asked the narcotic agency to urgently address the issue which could erode the moral fabric and also called for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
