Nyeri men tell court they smoked bang as energizer for 20 years

 Samuel Gitonga told Chief Magistrate John Onyiego that he had smoked bhang for 20 years and that he had been using it every day before going to work to ensure he did a wonderful job Photo: Courtesy

Three men left a Nyeri court in stitches after they told the magistrate that they would chose bhang over women any day.

In one case, a dread-locked Samuel Gitonga told Chief Magistrate John Onyiego that he had smoked bhang for 20 years and that he had been using it every day before going to work to ensure he did a wonderful job.

Gitonga told the court that he did not puff marijuana with any intention of ruining his life, but just as an energizer before embarking on his daily duties of farming.

Gitonga further told the court that his marriage broke and his wife left with his young daughter many years ago.

“Kutumia hii kitu mimi hutumia (I usually smoke bhang),” confirmed the barefooted Gitonga in mitigation.

In the same court, James Macharia 30, said he had been a constant smoker of the banned substance for the last seven years, but said he was willing to stop if well guided.

“I know that it does get people mad and disorganised, it is not a good thing,” said Macharia adding that he was still a bachelor and had no intention of marrying because it was still early.

Macharia was arrested with 15 rolls of bhang hidden in his inner wear as he sold the drugs in a local pub, while Gitonga was arrested with two rolls worth Sh40 in his house.

The two were sentenced to seven months in prison.

Another suspect, Francis Wahome, was allegedly arrested with 250g of the drug.

He was released on a cash bail of Sh20,000. His case will be mentioned on August 15.