Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has clashed with Kibra MP Ken Okoth over the lawmaker's push to legalise the growing and consumption of bhang.
Whereas Okoth argues that legalisation of the drug will regulate its usage, Khalwale claims that Kenya may lose a generation especially the youth who may consume it uncontrollably.
"Hon Doctor Senator Boni Khalwale, lawmaking is not a joke. Read the Bill and let me know which specific clauses you oppose (or just stick to bullfighting if you can't contribute to an honest debate)," Okoth said in response to an earlier tweet by Khalwale in which he had opposed the legalisation of the leafy drug.
Khalwale had said: "If only you (MP Okoth) cared to remember that drug addiction is a deadly medical problem and that I am a medical expert, and if you made an effort to establish the number of Bills that are under my name in Kenya!"
But shortly, Okoth fired back: "Kudos. It's our turn now to tackle the issues of the day. Harm reduction approach to drugs is a better way to proceed. Addiction is not a crime; it's a public health issue. That's why the Bill you're too lazy to read prescribes rehab instead of jail."
Khalwale again twitted back 'firing' at the second-time MP.
"Your foul language doesn’t make the case for legalising a drug of addiction," the former Ikolomani MP said.
The Bill on legalising the drug has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans. Among those supporting Marijuana's legalisation is the son to opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Okoth has already written to Parliament Speaker Justin Muturi seeking for facilitation in the preparation of the Marijuana Control Bill.