Bungoma youth have claimed that weed helps keep peace

Six youth arrested for growing and smoking bhang reportedly told the police that using the drug was their only way to keep peace.

The youth, who were arrested in Mandizini estate, Bungoma county, said the substance was Biblical and warned police to refrain from going against the will of God.

Their leader, only identified as 'Kevo', said marijuana helps them to meditate while praying to Jah, their God.

"We Rastafarians believe in the 'holy weed'," he said, "Let them release us because we only smoke but don't sell the holy weed to any other person except members of our religion for the sake of keeping peace."

The suspects, who are all men, were arrested in their hideout after a tip off from the members of the public. They were found with several rounds of dried marijuana and others planted in a quarter piece of land behind their rented house.

Confirming the arrest, Bungoma South Administration Police Commander Nahashon Maliti said the planted bhang has a street value of Sh200,000.

"We managed to arrest these six suspects after the public tipped us that they were even peddling the drugs to school children in Mandizini and other neighbouring Estates notorious for insecurity like Mjini, Bondeni, Sinoko and Mashambani," said Malili.

Malili said that the search for the suspect's accomplices who escaped is ongoing and called on the members of the public to volunteer information that will lead to their apprehension.

He said the suspects will be arraigned in court once the investigations are complete.

The Star

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