Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris stirred fresh debate in Parliament after urging lawmakers to have what she called an honest and realistic conversation about bhang laws in Kenya. Speaking in the House, Passaris said cannabis is already being used in many places and claimed the country cannot ignore that reality.

Passaris shared a personal story about her grandmother, saying her family once used bhang tea to help manage pain during illness. She argued that Kenya should discuss regulated and medical use instead of only relying on prohibition. Her remarks came during a wider debate on drug use, trafficking, and public health.

Other lawmakers also weighed in. Ugenya MP David Ouma said some countries have adopted controlled cannabis use, including for medicine, and questioned whether Kenya should review its approach. But Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya pushed back, warning that growing abuse and trafficking should not be used as a reason to legalise the drug.

The comments are likely to trigger public debate because bhang remains illegal in Kenya, even as concerns grow over youth access, trafficking routes, and calls for reforms.