[Nyamira Senator Mong’are Okong’o in a past event. He was put into defense after admitting that he used to smoke Bhang. Photo/ Hivisasa.com]
A section of senators on Wednesday questioned Okong’o Mong’are decision to contest for presidency, with some claiming that he was influenced by bhang.
Senate was discussing whether to allow a petition that seeks legalizing of Cannabis Sativa, a banned substance in the country when the controversial senator admitted having used it.
Mong’are is set to contest presidency in August after launching his presidential ambitions last years.
“Mr. Speaker, can the senator confirm that even his decision to run for presidency was influenced by effects of Bhang smoking,” wondered Kipchumba Mukomen of Elgeyo Marakwet who opposed the motion.
Sarcastically, Garissa senator Yusuf Haji asked the speaker to admit the petition arguing that the substance could not destroy people’s ambitions.
“The gentleman’s decision should be allowed and he should appear before the committee to explain himself. Senator Okong’o used it but it didn’t prevent him from becoming legislator,” he said.
And in his defense, Okong’o dismissed claims that his presidential ambitions were out of effects of the banned substance.
“I used it but it didn’t inform my decision to contest presidency. If Senators want to know about the plant, we can organize a retreat on the same,” he said.