NASA leader Raila Odinga has said he will legalise chang'aa if elected President. [Photo: The Standard]
National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer Raila Odinga on Friday declared he will legalise chang'aa if elected in the August 8 general elections.
The Opposition leader said that as the Head of State he will permit Kenyans to consume the traditional brew, arguing that there is no law that states that it is illegal.
“The government should allow their people to enjoy their favourite drinks. The last time I checked consumption of chang'aa or busaa was not a crime in Kenya," argued Odinga.
The former Prime Minister castigated the police officers for focusing on harassing chang'aa lovers instead of fighting criminals.
"The work of the police is to ensure the safety of Kenyans and not arresting those consuming chang'aa," said Raila.
He added: "Instead of launching a crackdown on people who are just out to enjoy themselves, police officers should go for criminals who have made this country insecure."
The ODM leader made the remarks while addressing Opposition supporters at Malaba town in Busia County.
Most Kenyans cross into Uganda side of Malaba town to take local brew for fear of being arrested in Kenya.
Bungoma Governor has also called for the legalisation of the traditional brews, urging that it was a way of preserving culture.
"We cannot run away from our culture, it’s the way of the people. Why would you want to punish the common mwananchi yet people go to drink whisky? A drunkard is just a drunkard. There is no civilised drunkard!" said Lusaka in an interview with the Standard last month.
Raila was accompanied by his co-principal in NASA Senator Moses Wetang'ula and Bungoma Ford Kenya governorship candidate Wycliff Wangamati among other leaders.