Pubdate: Thu, 05 Feb 2004
Source: Daily Nation (Kenya)
Copyright: 2004 Nation Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/Today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/868
Author: Cyrus Kinyungu
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom