CULTURE TEAM REJECTS BID TO BAN TOBACCO

Delegates rejected a move to ban tobacco growing and consumption.

Members of the technical committee on culture agreed to allow Kenyans to
continue smoking freely.

The motion was moved on Tuesday by Mr Thomas Marengo, who said tobacco
farming and processing should be banned because cigarette smoking was a
health hazard.

It's growing, he said, exposed farmers to risks due to poisonous chemicals
and led to miscarriage by women.

Ms Layor Arupe said tobacco caused many diseases, including tuberculosis
and lung cancer, but it would be impracticable to ban its use.

Mr Kinuthia Waitiki said smoking had destroyed many children. But the
delegates noted that the tobacco industry supported the economy.

The committee also recommended the establishment of traditional courts. The
delegates introduced an article into the draft Bill requiring the State to
encourage, promote and speed up traditional courts and methods of resolving
conflicts and disputes.

They also recommended Utamaduni Day, to be celebrated on December 26.

Meanwhile, a delegate's bid to push for legalisation on bhang smoking was
defeated. The delegates opposed the motion that sought to recognise the
drug as a cultural plant that needed protection.

The motion was introduced by Mr Mwai Gakuya, who said bhang had medicinal
values and the Government should legalise it.

The motion sought to create laws to stop the commercial exploitation of
indigenous trees, plants and herbs known to cure ailments.

Seconding the motion, Mr David Rakamba said the curative qualities of bhang
were respected worldwide.

The plant, he noted, was an indigenous African herb that needed Government
protection and recognition.

Ms Rita Katamu said bhang was dangerous to health. Many children in western
Kenya were born with mental disabilities because of its use by parents, she
said and urged delegates to resist the temptation of accepting negative
cultures.

The motion was vehemently opposed, forcing Mr Rakamba to withdraw his support.

Ms Rita Katamu said bhang was dangerous to the health of Kenyans.

She said many children in western Kenya were born with mental disabilities
as a result of the usage of the drug by their parents.

She said the drug had potential to affect three generations of the user of
the drug.

Ms Katamu denied that the drug is an indigenous Kenyan weed. She said the
plant was introduced to Kenya by the Indians who were constructing the
Kenya Uganda railway.

She urged delegates to resist the temptation of accepting negative cultures.

Mr Rakamba said bhang has proved to be very useful to the elderly people.
He said the drug is used as a substitute for Viagra especially by men aged
beyond 70.