KULUNDU DECLARES WAR ON BHANG CULTIVATION

NAIROBI - Environment and Natural Resources Minister, Dr Newton Kulundu,
yesterday ordered DCs to launch a major crackdown on leaders cultivating
bhang in forests.

Kulundu said his ministry had established that some leaders were involved
in cultivation of the drug as it was a "lucrative but illegal business" to
enrich themselves.

He told DCs to destroy the plantations in forests and arrest suspects so
they can face the full force of the law.

Kulundu was speaking at Lugulu village, in Webuye Constituency during the
burial of a Kenyatta University student, James Waluchio.

The deceased was the son of retired Nzoia Sugar Company personnel Manager,
Zakary Wekesa.

The funeral service was also attended by Trade and Industry Minister, Dr
Mukhisa Kituyi, Planing and National Development Assistant Minister,
Musikari Kombo, and Narc MPs Soita Shitanda and Dr Noah Wekesa.

Kulundu said DC's and police should also ensure dealers in drugs are kept
out of forests.

He said there was a plantation of bhang in Kakamega and Mt. Elgon forests
which he blamed on the laxity among police in the area.