Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda to table bill to make Shisha illegal in Kenya

Jhanda said the two are part of the drug menace that has rocked the country in recent years, and now wants them to be made illegal across the country.

"I have proposed an amendment in the National Assembly whereby we will criminalise the use of Shisha and vape. Anybody found smoking Shisha, in possession of Shisha or anyone found vaping or selling at any outlet, you are no different from any other person that will be found using or selling cocaine or heroine," Jhanda said.

He added that the move to criminalise Shisha and vape has been necessitated by the alarming side effects of drug and substance abuse among the youth in the country.

The MP said this is necessary to secure the young generation that is married into drug and substance abuse.

"Young men these days are consuming liquor and drugs and cannot perform duties at home. They sleep under beds instead of sleeping with their wives. We must save a generation, someone must speak about it," Jhanda further said.

He warned entertainment joints selling Shisha and suggested a 2-year ban and withdrawal of operating licences for joints found to contravene the directive. 

Jhanda also said Parliament will include the option of a hotline where citizens can report joints and individuals selling and smoking Shisha. 

This comes days after President William Ruto discouraged the use of Shisha while addressing the Muslim brethren during an Iftar meeting. 

Ruto said the Shisha contains drug substances, and said those who smoke it have no moral authority to lecture other people about drug and substance abuse.

"I am speaking to you as your Christian brother, just like I tell everyone. This thing called Shisha is not good. Please avoid it so that we don't get into addiction," Ruto said.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i outlawed the sale and use of Shisha in the country, carrying out a string of operations aimed at dealing with the menace.

The same gospel has been carried on by Ruto's administration, with authorities cracking down on Shisha joints.