Meet The Kenyan who has used cannabis for 49 years

By Samuel Ouma

Gerald Njiru Ireri, a resident of Mugui village in Embu, Eastern Kenya, has left many tongue wagging after he revealed that he has been using cannabis since 1972.

Mr. Ireri who was arrested for planting cannabis in his farm disclosed that he was introduced to the plant by a man who used to live in the forest in the early 1970s.

He alleged to have used the plant to cure a woman who had large cancerous wound.

Ireri at the same time took a swipe at the area Chief Mr. Mark Nyaga for uprooting his plants claiming they have medicinal value.

“I am a God-fearing man and the chief has uprooted my plants without my consent. This is a traditional herb which needs to be adopted for its medicinal value,” the Standard quoted Mr. Ireri.

Mr. Nyaga told the media that he had gotten a tip off from members of the public that the man is planting cannabis in his farm and acted immediately.

He warned others engaging in such business of dire consequences.

Probe has been launched to establish where the man supplies the drug.

Use and selling of cannabis is illegal in Kenya and anybody found cultivating the plant is liable to a fine of ksh50,000 or three times the market value of the cannabis. Alternatively, you may be given a prison sentence up to 20 years or both.